Hello friends!
So, as I said yesterday, I'm back with part 3 of the 12 Principles series. I know, 3 parts seems like a lot, but I feel this last one deserves an entry all on its own. This philosophy was assigned to my coworker Jorge. He really ran with it and did an excellent job. Most of the credit for this entry should go to him. Let's dive right into it...
12. Work with Love and Spirit...
In order to really understand what this principles means, let us first break it down. There are three words that truly give this philosophy its meaning; work, love, and spirit.
Work: There is a mathematical equation tied to this concept. Work is the amount of energy transferred by a force acting through a distance. In essence, work is energy. This means that we must put in real effort in order to consider each day a good day of work. When I think of energy, I think of excitement, enthusiasm, and zeal. Be enthusiastic about what you do. Make the most of every task and duty assigned to you. Put your heart into it, which leads me to...
Love: The Greeks broke love down into four different terms (the 4 loves). The first is Eros, which is a passionate and romantic love. This is shared between couples. The second love is Agape, which is called the "ideal love. This love is often a choice made out of principle. It is sacrificial, and unconditional; a love one is willing to die for. A successful marriage relationship consists of both Eros, and agape. The third love is Storge, which is natural affection. We see this with our parents. It cannot be explained, other than to say that our parents love us because we are a part of them. The final love is Philia, which is a virtuous, brotherly love. It is loyalty and affection for friends.
As we all know, to love is to place a great importance on an object or person. It connects you with that object of your affection deeper than anything else possibly could. When you love what you do, the passion and affection is obvious. As is the effort and energy you put into it.
Spirit: In Latin, the word means soul, courage, vigor or breath. When you put your soul into something, it becomes more than a task. It becomes embedded into who you are. It becomes part of your identity. To put your "breath" into something is to put your life into it. Our breaths keep us alive. Essentially, we are breathing life into our work.
If I may, let me give you some personal examples. I sing, create, and produce music. As you may know, this is no easy task. I would spend weeks locked into my little studio creating full songs from scratch. I was also in a rock band, and would spend weeks writing songs with my band. There is no greater example of working with love and spirit than a group of guys getting together through a shared love and passion for music, tirelessly expending energy and pouring their soul into chords, beats, lyrics, melodies, and harmonies. The end result may not appeal to everyone (different people have different musical preferences), but it made me happy because I knew my blood, sweat, tears, heart and soul had been poured into the music.
Another great example would be my wedding day. Over a year of insane planning, sleepless nights, budgeting, tasting, dieting, designing, shopping, premarital counseling, and countless other things...to put together one 5 hour event. No other day in my life has merited this principle more than June 7, 2010. That day redefined who I am as a person, in that it united me with another person until death parts us. My heart, soul, mind, and strength were poured into that year of preparation. I have never worked so hard in my life. Was it worth the effort? Absolutely!!
We must expend energy with great force and effort over distance in a passionate, ideal, and affectionate manner with all our breath, soul, and vigor! If you want to succeed at any task you are endeavoring to accomplish, you must work with love and spirit. True greatness in our work (whether in a piece of art, a business venture, a home cooked meal, or a late inning home run) comes only when we apply this ultimate principle into our work. If you can't see yourself doing this at your current place of employment, then maybe you should be thinking about getting into a new profession....
-Danny
www.cbt.edu
www.cbt.edu/facebook
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
12 Principles to Help You Thrive in the Workplace Part 2
www.cbt.edu
Hello all,
So the other day, I wrote a post called "12 Principles to Help You Thrive in the Workplace". It was inspired by the CBT West Kendall Pow Wow. This is part 2 of that post, listing the rest of the 12 principles. We knocked out 5, so 7 to go! Today, we will cover 6. Tomorrow, I'll be back to cover the final one. It deserves a post all by itself!
6. Be Customer/Client/People Driven
Whatever you do, wherever you work, you should always be people driven. Business succeed because of customers, students, and clients. Businesses thrive when they have the right people in place. As a company, you should be people driven. Your goal should be to not only satisfy the costumer/client, but also to keep your employees, partners, board members and all involved in your company happy and motivated. As employees, you need to do everything you can for your clients/customers. Keep them happy, and you will keep your boss happy. Be polite, attentive, and always ready to help. If a customer needs you, drop what you're doing to help them. If you are discussing an issue with your director, and a student walks in, that is the priority that must be dealt with. Your situation can wait, because the student comes first! It's the same in any business with any kind of client. After all, while your boss signs your checks, the client supplies them with the funds for that check!
7. Always Respect Each Other:
Respect is a difficult thing to come by. It is not easily earned, yet so easily lost. If you lose the respect of another, how hard is it to gain back? I think we all know the answer to that.
Why is respect important in our every day lives and in our workplace? Simply, because everyone is different. There are no two people that are exactly alike. I may believe something that my coworker doesn't. I may like to have my hair a certain way, while someone else may choose to dress differently than me. That is all perfectly acceptable. Each person is entitled to live their own lives. We should respect that and be understanding and tolerant. Remember, while we may not agree with the things people do, say, believe, or enjoy, it is their right to do them and should be respected(as long as what they do is legal and ethical). Of course, they need to respect you as well.
In the workplace, certain things are considered inappropriate and unfit for a work environment. We are all to honor those written and unwritten rules of etiquette and respect. We should refrain from actions, words, and appearances that are considered offensive and inappropriate. The goal is to create a work environment where everyone is comfortable. No company wants a bunch of uncomfortable, awkward, upset and offended employees walking around. That will lead to unproductive employees, and low morale. Respect your coworkers. Understand that just because they don't like the same music, food, movies, or sports teams as you, that doesn't make them weird. In fact, just respect everyone you encounter. If we don't respect others, how can we expect to be respected?
8.Be Loyal
What does it mean to be loyal? The best definition I found was "loyalty is faithfulness or a devotion to a person, country, group, or cause." A person can be loyal to their favorite sports team, family, school, and country. "Proud to be an American" is a form of loyalty. Serving your country is one of the greatest forms of loyalty a person can demonstrate. Dying for a cause, person, or country is the ultimate form of loyalty. Sometimes, that loyalty is tragically misplaced (such is the case with terrorist organizations, socialist governments, extremists in religions, etc).
Every person should have at least one thing they are loyal to. I, for example, am loyal to my God, wife, family, company, schools (both my high school and college), my country, and my sports teams (Dolphins all day baby). A loyal employee is a respected employee. It is very easy to sift the loyal ones from the disloyal ones. Your boss isn't blind. They can see when someone is upset, rebellious, or disloyal. If you have good reason to not be disloyal to your company, then you either need to address those with a superior, or find a company you can be loyal to.
How can you be loyal to your company? Follow the rules, work hard, represent your company properly and with pride, don't cause discord or discontent in your office. Be the polite, pleasant, diligent worker that all companies desire. Speak to your boss (or bosses) if you have any issues, don't gossip, and respect your coworkers.
9. Strive to exceed your goals
I wrote a post the other day about setting goals, and how vital is it to life. Goals give us purpose and drive. Goals create dedicated people. Goals give us something to reach for. As people, we should always look to improve ourselves. We shouldn't settle for second best. Strive for the best. Work to exceed your goals!
10. Keep a Positive Outlook
Perception is reality. Don't go looking for the negative in everything. Believe me, if you look for it, you will find it. Always examine situations, and see the good that comes from it. When my wife lost her job a few months ago, it was tough for her. She was the best worker that firm had. She poured her blood, sweat, and tears into that office, just to be let go on the whim of a completely unbalanced and heartless lawyer. I saw this as a blessing in disguise from the very beginning. We are perfectly fine with my income alone. Not having to work the 8:30-5:30 schedule allows her to finish up her degree faster than she would have as a full time employee. Now, she is focused 100% on school. She will actually be one of those rare people to graduate with her Bachelor of Arts in 4 years. Had I decided to look on the negative side of it, then things would have seemed bad for a while. No extra income? How are we going to afford to take extravagant vacations and buy bars of gold? The world is falling apart!! As ridiculous as that may sound, some people will reach that far just because they are never content with anything. They are not happy unless they are miserable. They are not satisfied with seeing the reality of situations, instead choosing to wallow and watch their world crumble over the smallest things. Don't let your circumstances shape you. Instead, when something doesn't go your way, re-approach the situation and make it work!
11. Be Accountable to Each Other
Accountability: a concept in ethics and governance with several meanings. It is often used synonymously with such concepts as responsibility, answerability, blameworthiness, liability, and other terms associated with the expectation of account giving.
Being accountable to each other is all about improving who we are as people by holding each other responsible for actions. In regards to a professional atmosphere, it’s all about improving the overall personal and organizational performance of one another by developing and promoting responsibility, honesty, hard work, and creating an environment of personal and professional growth. Accountability is essential for any society to function. We are all held accountable in one way or another. For example, there are laws to obey and if we fail to be obedient, we may have to suffer the consequences set by the officials who hold us accountable. Thus, accountability is simply being responsible for one's actions.
Accountability in the workplace is defined as doing the right thing consistently, day in and day out, in tasks and relationship interactions in order to fulfill or further the mission of the organization
Hello all,
So the other day, I wrote a post called "12 Principles to Help You Thrive in the Workplace". It was inspired by the CBT West Kendall Pow Wow. This is part 2 of that post, listing the rest of the 12 principles. We knocked out 5, so 7 to go! Today, we will cover 6. Tomorrow, I'll be back to cover the final one. It deserves a post all by itself!
6. Be Customer/Client/People Driven
Whatever you do, wherever you work, you should always be people driven. Business succeed because of customers, students, and clients. Businesses thrive when they have the right people in place. As a company, you should be people driven. Your goal should be to not only satisfy the costumer/client, but also to keep your employees, partners, board members and all involved in your company happy and motivated. As employees, you need to do everything you can for your clients/customers. Keep them happy, and you will keep your boss happy. Be polite, attentive, and always ready to help. If a customer needs you, drop what you're doing to help them. If you are discussing an issue with your director, and a student walks in, that is the priority that must be dealt with. Your situation can wait, because the student comes first! It's the same in any business with any kind of client. After all, while your boss signs your checks, the client supplies them with the funds for that check!
7. Always Respect Each Other:
Respect is a difficult thing to come by. It is not easily earned, yet so easily lost. If you lose the respect of another, how hard is it to gain back? I think we all know the answer to that.
Why is respect important in our every day lives and in our workplace? Simply, because everyone is different. There are no two people that are exactly alike. I may believe something that my coworker doesn't. I may like to have my hair a certain way, while someone else may choose to dress differently than me. That is all perfectly acceptable. Each person is entitled to live their own lives. We should respect that and be understanding and tolerant. Remember, while we may not agree with the things people do, say, believe, or enjoy, it is their right to do them and should be respected(as long as what they do is legal and ethical). Of course, they need to respect you as well.
In the workplace, certain things are considered inappropriate and unfit for a work environment. We are all to honor those written and unwritten rules of etiquette and respect. We should refrain from actions, words, and appearances that are considered offensive and inappropriate. The goal is to create a work environment where everyone is comfortable. No company wants a bunch of uncomfortable, awkward, upset and offended employees walking around. That will lead to unproductive employees, and low morale. Respect your coworkers. Understand that just because they don't like the same music, food, movies, or sports teams as you, that doesn't make them weird. In fact, just respect everyone you encounter. If we don't respect others, how can we expect to be respected?
8.Be Loyal
What does it mean to be loyal? The best definition I found was "loyalty is faithfulness or a devotion to a person, country, group, or cause." A person can be loyal to their favorite sports team, family, school, and country. "Proud to be an American" is a form of loyalty. Serving your country is one of the greatest forms of loyalty a person can demonstrate. Dying for a cause, person, or country is the ultimate form of loyalty. Sometimes, that loyalty is tragically misplaced (such is the case with terrorist organizations, socialist governments, extremists in religions, etc).
Every person should have at least one thing they are loyal to. I, for example, am loyal to my God, wife, family, company, schools (both my high school and college), my country, and my sports teams (Dolphins all day baby). A loyal employee is a respected employee. It is very easy to sift the loyal ones from the disloyal ones. Your boss isn't blind. They can see when someone is upset, rebellious, or disloyal. If you have good reason to not be disloyal to your company, then you either need to address those with a superior, or find a company you can be loyal to.
How can you be loyal to your company? Follow the rules, work hard, represent your company properly and with pride, don't cause discord or discontent in your office. Be the polite, pleasant, diligent worker that all companies desire. Speak to your boss (or bosses) if you have any issues, don't gossip, and respect your coworkers.
9. Strive to exceed your goals
I wrote a post the other day about setting goals, and how vital is it to life. Goals give us purpose and drive. Goals create dedicated people. Goals give us something to reach for. As people, we should always look to improve ourselves. We shouldn't settle for second best. Strive for the best. Work to exceed your goals!
10. Keep a Positive Outlook
Perception is reality. Don't go looking for the negative in everything. Believe me, if you look for it, you will find it. Always examine situations, and see the good that comes from it. When my wife lost her job a few months ago, it was tough for her. She was the best worker that firm had. She poured her blood, sweat, and tears into that office, just to be let go on the whim of a completely unbalanced and heartless lawyer. I saw this as a blessing in disguise from the very beginning. We are perfectly fine with my income alone. Not having to work the 8:30-5:30 schedule allows her to finish up her degree faster than she would have as a full time employee. Now, she is focused 100% on school. She will actually be one of those rare people to graduate with her Bachelor of Arts in 4 years. Had I decided to look on the negative side of it, then things would have seemed bad for a while. No extra income? How are we going to afford to take extravagant vacations and buy bars of gold? The world is falling apart!! As ridiculous as that may sound, some people will reach that far just because they are never content with anything. They are not happy unless they are miserable. They are not satisfied with seeing the reality of situations, instead choosing to wallow and watch their world crumble over the smallest things. Don't let your circumstances shape you. Instead, when something doesn't go your way, re-approach the situation and make it work!
11. Be Accountable to Each Other
Accountability: a concept in ethics and governance with several meanings. It is often used synonymously with such concepts as responsibility, answerability, blameworthiness, liability, and other terms associated with the expectation of account giving.
Being accountable to each other is all about improving who we are as people by holding each other responsible for actions. In regards to a professional atmosphere, it’s all about improving the overall personal and organizational performance of one another by developing and promoting responsibility, honesty, hard work, and creating an environment of personal and professional growth. Accountability is essential for any society to function. We are all held accountable in one way or another. For example, there are laws to obey and if we fail to be obedient, we may have to suffer the consequences set by the officials who hold us accountable. Thus, accountability is simply being responsible for one's actions.
Accountability in the workplace is defined as doing the right thing consistently, day in and day out, in tasks and relationship interactions in order to fulfill or further the mission of the organization
Monday, September 27, 2010
12 Principles to Help You Thrive in the Workplace Part 1
www.cbt.edu
www.cbt.edu/facebook
It's a grind most days, isn't it? For most people, Monday through Friday harbors the dreaded work, eat, sleep routine. Just about everyone I know is "working for the weekend". No one wants to be sitting in the office, living the Dwight Schrute life, but that's exactly where most American professionals find themselves. As I said, it's a grind. Sadly, most of us make our work experience even worse than it should be by the attitude we adopt. This attitude doesn't start when we arrive at work. It doesn't even begin when we wake up in the morning. For most, the negativity and dread begins while laying in bed thinking, "aggghhhh, I don't want to go to work tomorrow!!" It all starts with the mind. Perception is reality. If I get it in my mind that I cannot comprehend this little math problem I'm working on, my mind will just shut down and make it a reality. We underestimate just how powerful our mind is.
How can we as professionals in the modern business setting find enjoyment, and thrive in our workplace? How can we achieve personal and professional growth, while demonstrating excellence and commitment? Recently, we had a "Pow Wow" here at CBT West Kendall, and came up with twelve principles, that if followed, would lead to success in the workplace. At first, I thought this activity was pointless, and a huge waste of time. I felt like I was living an episode of The Office, and Michael Scott had called us all into the conference room for an absolutely ridiculous time waster. I was pleasantly surprised when I discovered that it turned out to be productive, , and created an identity for us as individuals and as a team. We saw coworkers in a different light, a light that for some, had been left in the dark until then. It actually helped us gel.
I decided that I would share five of the principles we outlined. Why five? Because twelve would take me too long, and I have other things to do today. I really believe these "philosophies" can make a difference in your daily life, and help you thrive at your workplace.....
1. Attitude is a Choice:
As was stated earlier, it's all about your attitude. Wake up thinking positively! Tell yourself it will be a good day. Get in a good morning workout, take a shower, and actually have a real breakfast (coffee doesn't count). It will truly go a long way to shaping your day. The flip side is you getting up with a bad attitude, driving angrily and hastily because you are running late, and maintaining those bad vibes all day. Any little hiccup in your workday will just push you off the cliff. Not only will you be highly unproductive, but chances are your bad attitude will rub off on others. Don't be "that" person. Don't be Buzzkillington. Don't drag the rest of your coworkers down into you misery. Change your attitude, change your outlook, and create a positive atmosphere for yourself and those around you. Attitude is a choice.
2. Be consistent:
I realize this leaves room for consistently mediocre, but in speaking with several executives and company higher ups, consistently mediocre is better than maddeningly inconsistent. There is nothing worse than a person who only "shows up" when they want to. Why is this so bad? Your employer, friends, family, and significant other never know who they are going to get: the pleasant, hard working, and caring version, or the moody, lazy, lethargic, and irritable version. If you are consistently mediocre, at least everyone knows what to expect from you, right? The goal is not to be consistently mediocre, though. Your goal should always be consistent excellence, and consistent max effort. As humans, we should always be striving for the very best in everything we do. Consistency is key to that excellence. The guy who gets up early every morning to do his P90x workout, have a great, healthy breakfast, get to work ten minutes early, and put in a full day of hard work will achieve much more than the guy who is a superstar one day, and a superdud the next. Be consistent. Be consistently excellent, which leads to our next to point.....
3. Autograph Your Work with Excellence:
Everyone likes to hear the words, "good job!" I have never met a single person who prefers being ripped into for poor performance. We should always try to stamp our work with excellence. Whether it's school work, a blog, our job duties, our home life, a piece of art we are working on, a party we are planning, or a poem we are writing for our significant other, always strive to make it the best. Don't cut corners, don't cheat, don't do things half heatedly. Be ethical and considerate of others. How can you make sure your work is excellent? Be consistent with it, and try your very best. Also, keep a positive attitude throughout. Yup, I'm tying things together.
4. Go the Extra Mile:
"If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles." Hard work, compassion, and kindness are essential to a good workplace. Picking up your teammate/coworker is a big part of that. If you see someone in need of help, don't hesitate to lend a hand. Be the one to step up for your team. Be the one who is willing to make a difference. It means putting the needs of others before your own. Going the extra mile is often an inconvenience for us. Believe me though, people (including the ones who sign your checks) will take notice.
5. Manage your Time Effectively:
One of the biggest issues we as people face is poor time management skills. We spend our time taking a nap rather than finish our English homework, or browse through Facebook for five hours instead of finishing those expense reports, or Call of Duty as opposed to helping our wives with housework, or even watch New Moon for the nineteenth time when we should go visit our parents. Worst of all, it's not that we don't to do those things, it's just that we lose track of time. We don't prioritize our time. We don't set schedules for ourselves. We don't place the more important things ahead of the self gratification stuff. We place ourselves and our petty and unnecessary wants above what we really need to accomplish. Is it possible to play Call of Duty after helping with housework? Of course! Can we fit a nap into our schedule, once the homework is completed? I'm sure we could. The point is that we don't manage our time properly. I guarantee you, if you set a daily tasks schedule at work, with allotted time for each task, we will be more efficient and effective that day. Do that on a vacation, and you will get to do all the things you wanted to. Plan, schedule, and follow through. If you set your schedule to wake up at 6:30 for a morning workout, shower, and healthy breakfast before work...do it! Don't hit snooze. If you plan on doing homework for three hours when you get home, make it happen, and make sure you use that time as effectively as possible. Don't allow yourself to be distracted!
I will be back later in the week with the rest!
www.cbt.edu/facebook
It's a grind most days, isn't it? For most people, Monday through Friday harbors the dreaded work, eat, sleep routine. Just about everyone I know is "working for the weekend". No one wants to be sitting in the office, living the Dwight Schrute life, but that's exactly where most American professionals find themselves. As I said, it's a grind. Sadly, most of us make our work experience even worse than it should be by the attitude we adopt. This attitude doesn't start when we arrive at work. It doesn't even begin when we wake up in the morning. For most, the negativity and dread begins while laying in bed thinking, "aggghhhh, I don't want to go to work tomorrow!!" It all starts with the mind. Perception is reality. If I get it in my mind that I cannot comprehend this little math problem I'm working on, my mind will just shut down and make it a reality. We underestimate just how powerful our mind is.
How can we as professionals in the modern business setting find enjoyment, and thrive in our workplace? How can we achieve personal and professional growth, while demonstrating excellence and commitment? Recently, we had a "Pow Wow" here at CBT West Kendall, and came up with twelve principles, that if followed, would lead to success in the workplace. At first, I thought this activity was pointless, and a huge waste of time. I felt like I was living an episode of The Office, and Michael Scott had called us all into the conference room for an absolutely ridiculous time waster. I was pleasantly surprised when I discovered that it turned out to be productive, , and created an identity for us as individuals and as a team. We saw coworkers in a different light, a light that for some, had been left in the dark until then. It actually helped us gel.
I decided that I would share five of the principles we outlined. Why five? Because twelve would take me too long, and I have other things to do today. I really believe these "philosophies" can make a difference in your daily life, and help you thrive at your workplace.....
1. Attitude is a Choice:
As was stated earlier, it's all about your attitude. Wake up thinking positively! Tell yourself it will be a good day. Get in a good morning workout, take a shower, and actually have a real breakfast (coffee doesn't count). It will truly go a long way to shaping your day. The flip side is you getting up with a bad attitude, driving angrily and hastily because you are running late, and maintaining those bad vibes all day. Any little hiccup in your workday will just push you off the cliff. Not only will you be highly unproductive, but chances are your bad attitude will rub off on others. Don't be "that" person. Don't be Buzzkillington. Don't drag the rest of your coworkers down into you misery. Change your attitude, change your outlook, and create a positive atmosphere for yourself and those around you. Attitude is a choice.
2. Be consistent:
I realize this leaves room for consistently mediocre, but in speaking with several executives and company higher ups, consistently mediocre is better than maddeningly inconsistent. There is nothing worse than a person who only "shows up" when they want to. Why is this so bad? Your employer, friends, family, and significant other never know who they are going to get: the pleasant, hard working, and caring version, or the moody, lazy, lethargic, and irritable version. If you are consistently mediocre, at least everyone knows what to expect from you, right? The goal is not to be consistently mediocre, though. Your goal should always be consistent excellence, and consistent max effort. As humans, we should always be striving for the very best in everything we do. Consistency is key to that excellence. The guy who gets up early every morning to do his P90x workout, have a great, healthy breakfast, get to work ten minutes early, and put in a full day of hard work will achieve much more than the guy who is a superstar one day, and a superdud the next. Be consistent. Be consistently excellent, which leads to our next to point.....
3. Autograph Your Work with Excellence:
Everyone likes to hear the words, "good job!" I have never met a single person who prefers being ripped into for poor performance. We should always try to stamp our work with excellence. Whether it's school work, a blog, our job duties, our home life, a piece of art we are working on, a party we are planning, or a poem we are writing for our significant other, always strive to make it the best. Don't cut corners, don't cheat, don't do things half heatedly. Be ethical and considerate of others. How can you make sure your work is excellent? Be consistent with it, and try your very best. Also, keep a positive attitude throughout. Yup, I'm tying things together.
4. Go the Extra Mile:
"If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles." Hard work, compassion, and kindness are essential to a good workplace. Picking up your teammate/coworker is a big part of that. If you see someone in need of help, don't hesitate to lend a hand. Be the one to step up for your team. Be the one who is willing to make a difference. It means putting the needs of others before your own. Going the extra mile is often an inconvenience for us. Believe me though, people (including the ones who sign your checks) will take notice.
5. Manage your Time Effectively:
One of the biggest issues we as people face is poor time management skills. We spend our time taking a nap rather than finish our English homework, or browse through Facebook for five hours instead of finishing those expense reports, or Call of Duty as opposed to helping our wives with housework, or even watch New Moon for the nineteenth time when we should go visit our parents. Worst of all, it's not that we don't to do those things, it's just that we lose track of time. We don't prioritize our time. We don't set schedules for ourselves. We don't place the more important things ahead of the self gratification stuff. We place ourselves and our petty and unnecessary wants above what we really need to accomplish. Is it possible to play Call of Duty after helping with housework? Of course! Can we fit a nap into our schedule, once the homework is completed? I'm sure we could. The point is that we don't manage our time properly. I guarantee you, if you set a daily tasks schedule at work, with allotted time for each task, we will be more efficient and effective that day. Do that on a vacation, and you will get to do all the things you wanted to. Plan, schedule, and follow through. If you set your schedule to wake up at 6:30 for a morning workout, shower, and healthy breakfast before work...do it! Don't hit snooze. If you plan on doing homework for three hours when you get home, make it happen, and make sure you use that time as effectively as possible. Don't allow yourself to be distracted!
I will be back later in the week with the rest!
Friday, September 24, 2010
Power Drive Network Expo tomorrow!
The Bert Oliva Wealth Academy is hosting the First Annual Power Drive Network Expo tomorrow, Saturday September 25th, 2010. The event will run from 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM. Come join CBT College as Bert Oliva will be showing you how to network and work your business by meeting and greeting people in an expo or networking environment. If you are a business owner, there are booths available, in addition to main sponsor spots. There will be tons of prizes, food, activities, and entertainment! Join us there friends. The event will be taking place at the Hilton Airport Hotel Griffin Road in Dania, FL. For more info, call (888) 711-2044.
-Danny
www.cbt.edu
www.cbt.edu/facebook
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Giving Back to the Community
As an Event Coordinator and Social Media Manager, I am tasked with putting on big events for CBT College. One thing I have realized in my time as Event Coordinator, is that there is nothing more rewarding than giving back to your community. Here's the greatest thing about that: there are so many ways you can accomplish it! From events, charities, marathons, walks, and fundraisers to nursing home and homeless outreaches, we can truly make a difference in our community and world! Here are some great ways to get involved and give back.
1. Homeless Outreach: There are countless churches, and charitable organizations that go out there and take food and clothes to those less fortunate. You can volunteer at a soup kitchen, or join your local church's "Help the Homeless" ministry. There are various homeless shelters and organizations (Camillus House, Miami Rescue Mission, Homeless Voice, Salvation Army)that could use some volunteers. It would only take a few hours out of your Saturday afternoon. Maybe, instead of going to the beach or eating at Yardhouse one Saturday afternoon, we could all just spend a few hours helping people who need it!
2. Nursing Home Outreach: I know this one doesn't seem like a big issue, or something of importance, especially since we often don't even make the time to visit our own family. I assure you though, if you were to put yourself in the shoes of these men and women in nursing homes, you would appreciate a visit every now and then. Just a few hours one random afternoon to sit with them, hear their stories, and show them that there are still people out there that care. Again, it doesn't seem like much, but they will appreciate it more than you know.
3. Be a mentor: All across the country, there are young people making all sorts of wrong choices and falling in with the wrong type of people. One thing that you will find is that often, these kids just don't have anyone to look up to. Without a proper role model or support system in place, these kids look to anyone they see as important, and often times that person is not the right kind of role model. Volunteer at places like the YMCA, Boys and Girls Clubs, sign up for mentorship programs with the public school system. I'm not suggesting you became a social worker, or that you put yourself in a situation you don't feel comfortable with, but just that we make an effort to help the youth around us reach their potential for a good, happy, and full life. If it were your child, and you were unable to care for them and parent them, you would want them to have the right influences around them...
4. Child Care Assistance: Volunteer to bring some healthy snacks to a local day care, take part in the day care at your church or former elementary school. If you have a younger sibling at an elementary or middle school, help out with any functions and events. As I said earlier, the right influences...
5. Charities, Walks, Marathons, Relays, etc.: There is no shortage of charitable organizations. They are always having some sort of event. We all know about the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, Relay for Life, NFL Play 60, March of Dimes, and several others, but there is a myriad of other great causes. Give a few dollars to help these great causes, maybe volunteer, or sign up to take part in a marathon/walkathon.
6. Animal Shelters/Plant a Tree/Save the World: Now, I have to admit that I'm not one of these people that cries when I see the Sarah McLaughlin commercial with the sad puppies and kitties. I'm not really an animal person. I like to eat meat. I'm all about Texas De Brazil, Grimpa, and Fogo de Chao (Brazilian Steakhouses), because it tastes so good to me. I am not however, an advocate for cruelty, abuse, or violence towards animals. We can volunteer at an animal shelter or hospital. Maybe we can help the environment by planting a tree, volunteering to clean our beaches, or any other activity that helps preserve this planet.
I know we all have very busy lives and finding time do anything is tough, let alone giving back to others. Sometimes we don't even make time to spend a few minutes with our families. So, why would we bother to spend time helping another family? Why give back when I myself don't have enough, right? It's difficult to imagine, in this Instant Gratification/Me, Myself, and I culture, that people would be willing to sacrifice some of their time and resources to give to someone who isn't as lucky. We live in a world that tells us that we are all individuals, to look out for number 1, their is no God, no afterlife, no hope, no purpose...so how can we expect anyone to care about their fellow humans or this planet?
As far as I'm concerned, that philosophy is so misguided and 100% influenced by the selfishness of humans. All problems humanity has ever faced come from our lack of consideration for others. Religion is not to blame for wars fought in their name. God is not to be blamed when a priest does unspeakable acts of evil. Maybe it's time we stop hiding behind our beliefs and blaming them, and start taking responsibility. God didn't command that clergy person to commit those acts. In fact, God abhors that type of behavior. It has no place in the church. When we blame Islam and the teachings in the Koran for extremist groups and their actions (911, and many other attacks), we are in the wrong. Islam does not teach them to do these things. Rather, they are twisting words and distorting Islamic doctrines to suit their agendas. The individuals who commit the acts are solely responsible, not the belief system they claim to follow. I promise you, any person who commits tyranny in the name of their deity, knows nothing about that deity. John Lennon was wrong when he said that if there was no religion, the world would be a perfect place. Humans would find another avenue in order to achieve their horrible, and selfish agendas. Sorry for the little rant there....
Anyway, it's time we stop thinking about me, me, me...and realize that life is about relationships, connections, and love. Love makes the world go round. Love for humanity, love for nature, love for all creation, love for oneself....these are the things that make life worth living. If we give just a little bit everyday, imagine how we could change the world.
Finally, I'm sure you are wondering how I will find a way to tie this to college life, and our professional career. It's simple: Volunteer work, charitable associations and activities look absolutely amazing on a resume. Believe it or not, employers look very favorably on employees that give back to the community. It's especially great for young people, and college students with little or no work experience. You should absolutely list your charitable work on a resume. It could help you land that first great job!
-Danny
www.cbt.edu
www.cbt.edu/facebook
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Setting Goals
When I was a child, I remember wanting to be a professional baseball player when I grew up. I also wanted to be a doctor, meteorologist, lawyer, superhero, actor, singer, advertising exec, graphic designer, producer for a record label, and King of Prussia. I had some lofty dreams. The direction that my life has taken dictated my current standing in the professional world. As we speak, I believe I have achieved one of my "when I grow up" goals as an up and coming marketing, events, and new media manager. Most would agree that I am in the right field, based on my talents, "artsyness", persistence, and persuasiveness. I truly believe the sky is the limit for me in this field because I am great at what I do. Why do I tell you this, though? Where is this coming from, and where is it going? Good question! Well, I was recently thinking about where I want to be in a few years, and how important setting goals in your life can be.
I strongly believe that setting goals allows a person to establish purpose in their professional and personal life. Are you working at your current place of employment just to work? Is it just for the money? If so, you're probably not where you should be. Are you dating someone you don't see a real future with? If so, you shouldn't be dating that person. Honestly, what is the point of being with someone if you don't see it having a future? What is the point of living life with no desire to create a better existence for yourself, your loved ones, and humanity as a whole? By setting goals in every significant aspect of our lives, we are creating the drive, the motivation and the perseverance needed to accomplish them.
When a person enrolls at a college or university, they should have a goal in mind: graduate! That goal is directly connected to another goal: start a career in the field you are studying. That should again, lead to a bigger goal, like move up the ladder, go to grad/med/law school, start your own business, plant a church, etc. When a person embarks on a new romantic relationship with someone, the goal should always be marriage. I am strongly opposed to the idea that in our youth, we should sow wild oats, spread our seed, and play the field. All of those things are without purpose, without promise, and unnecessary acts of instant gratification. Of course, this is my opinion and I don't expect everyone to agree with me or suddenly change their point of view. Just to cement my point though, let me give you two personal examples of this very goal setting issue.
Example 1:
I dated this girl, let's call her Lily....
She dated an acquaintance of mine for a few years. Some mutual friends of the acquaintance (let's call him Greg) told me that Lily was bad news. They told me to stay away from her, because it would not end well. Greg himself offered some advice, but I did not heed any of their warnings. I liked Lily. She was pretty, fun, spunky, and we had common interests (music, food, movies). Mind you, I was 20 at the time, and living the "college life". I was far from the person I am now, and far from the God who gave me true purpose. She was pretty, I was into her, and we started dating. There was no real goal, and I should have seen it ahead of time. We had differing views on politics, religion, and family. She liked the drinking, smoking, rock star lifestyle. I played along, and I actually really liked her. Fast forward a few months...she cheated on me. Funny thing is the guy she cheated on me with was the very reason her and Greg broke up! Greg didn't tell me about that, and neither did anyone of our mutual friends. In hindsight, I don't think it would have made a difference to me. I would have dated her anyway, because I thought she was cool, and pretty. I ignored all the warning signs, I ignored the caution flags, I ignored the "Buyer Beware" notice. I gave her parts of me that she didn't deserve. I compromised values, and lifelong beliefs and goals for someone who would later devalue and defame those very things. It was a fruitless relationship that served as a wake up call and became the catalyst for bringing me out of my prodigal living.
Example 2:
I met this girl, let's call her Stephanie....
We met under interesting circumstances; my family member was dating her family member. She was down from another state, let's call that state Tennessee. It was a blind date kind of thing. Stephanie was going through a rough patch at the time, and came to stay with some relatives to clear her head, and hopefully have some fun. So, that night we all went to dinner and a movie. I was 22 at this time, and a little wiser I think. I was over my dumb phase, and had the proper mindset for a real relationship. We hit it off, I liked her. During her time here that summer, we really began to fall for each other. She wanted to transfer to a college in Miami, and be with me. Towards the end of the summer though, she had to leave. She went back to Tennessee and we were devastated. I did some very hard thinking, and knew that if I did what I was planning to do, I had to KNOW that she was the one.
My next move was drastic, and had I not had the goal of "happily ever after" in mind, my actions would have been both selfish, life shattering, and stupid. I realized all this, and made the decision then and there, that I was going to marry this girl name Stephanie. I took a bus to Tennessee, and her parents placed their trust in me. They trusted that I would take care of their first born, that I would love her, cherish her, and never forsake her. They trusted that allowing her to leave home and move to Miami to be with me was not a mistake. Fast forward to June 7th, 2009...Stephanie Marie Diago became Stephanie Marie Saavedra. This was and is the greatest day of my life. I knew on June 23rd, 2007 that I was having dinner for the first time...with my wife. From that day on, all my actions were made with that goal in mind.
My point is this folks: goals give our day to day actions a purpose, a meaning, and significance. Who wants to just float through life without ever accomplishing or achieving anything? Set goals, strive for excellence, and walk the straight and narrow path in order to achieve those goals. Set daily goals, weekly, monthly, yearly, and major life goals. I want to own a house in the next 5 years. I want to have my first child in the next five years. I want to be the youngest director of this company in the next 3 years. Those goals are all attainable for me, as long as I put in the work to make them possible. I am confident in my abilities. You're goals may be as big as curing cancer, or as small as getting an A+ in your Physics quiz tomorrow. The point is, set them because they honestly do give you more desire to achieve them. If you just go into that quiz with no stated goal, you won't be as motivated. It sounds dumb, but it's true.
-Danny
www.cbt.edu
www.cbt.edu/facebook
I strongly believe that setting goals allows a person to establish purpose in their professional and personal life. Are you working at your current place of employment just to work? Is it just for the money? If so, you're probably not where you should be. Are you dating someone you don't see a real future with? If so, you shouldn't be dating that person. Honestly, what is the point of being with someone if you don't see it having a future? What is the point of living life with no desire to create a better existence for yourself, your loved ones, and humanity as a whole? By setting goals in every significant aspect of our lives, we are creating the drive, the motivation and the perseverance needed to accomplish them.
When a person enrolls at a college or university, they should have a goal in mind: graduate! That goal is directly connected to another goal: start a career in the field you are studying. That should again, lead to a bigger goal, like move up the ladder, go to grad/med/law school, start your own business, plant a church, etc. When a person embarks on a new romantic relationship with someone, the goal should always be marriage. I am strongly opposed to the idea that in our youth, we should sow wild oats, spread our seed, and play the field. All of those things are without purpose, without promise, and unnecessary acts of instant gratification. Of course, this is my opinion and I don't expect everyone to agree with me or suddenly change their point of view. Just to cement my point though, let me give you two personal examples of this very goal setting issue.
Example 1:
I dated this girl, let's call her Lily....
She dated an acquaintance of mine for a few years. Some mutual friends of the acquaintance (let's call him Greg) told me that Lily was bad news. They told me to stay away from her, because it would not end well. Greg himself offered some advice, but I did not heed any of their warnings. I liked Lily. She was pretty, fun, spunky, and we had common interests (music, food, movies). Mind you, I was 20 at the time, and living the "college life". I was far from the person I am now, and far from the God who gave me true purpose. She was pretty, I was into her, and we started dating. There was no real goal, and I should have seen it ahead of time. We had differing views on politics, religion, and family. She liked the drinking, smoking, rock star lifestyle. I played along, and I actually really liked her. Fast forward a few months...she cheated on me. Funny thing is the guy she cheated on me with was the very reason her and Greg broke up! Greg didn't tell me about that, and neither did anyone of our mutual friends. In hindsight, I don't think it would have made a difference to me. I would have dated her anyway, because I thought she was cool, and pretty. I ignored all the warning signs, I ignored the caution flags, I ignored the "Buyer Beware" notice. I gave her parts of me that she didn't deserve. I compromised values, and lifelong beliefs and goals for someone who would later devalue and defame those very things. It was a fruitless relationship that served as a wake up call and became the catalyst for bringing me out of my prodigal living.
Example 2:
I met this girl, let's call her Stephanie....
We met under interesting circumstances; my family member was dating her family member. She was down from another state, let's call that state Tennessee. It was a blind date kind of thing. Stephanie was going through a rough patch at the time, and came to stay with some relatives to clear her head, and hopefully have some fun. So, that night we all went to dinner and a movie. I was 22 at this time, and a little wiser I think. I was over my dumb phase, and had the proper mindset for a real relationship. We hit it off, I liked her. During her time here that summer, we really began to fall for each other. She wanted to transfer to a college in Miami, and be with me. Towards the end of the summer though, she had to leave. She went back to Tennessee and we were devastated. I did some very hard thinking, and knew that if I did what I was planning to do, I had to KNOW that she was the one.
My next move was drastic, and had I not had the goal of "happily ever after" in mind, my actions would have been both selfish, life shattering, and stupid. I realized all this, and made the decision then and there, that I was going to marry this girl name Stephanie. I took a bus to Tennessee, and her parents placed their trust in me. They trusted that I would take care of their first born, that I would love her, cherish her, and never forsake her. They trusted that allowing her to leave home and move to Miami to be with me was not a mistake. Fast forward to June 7th, 2009...Stephanie Marie Diago became Stephanie Marie Saavedra. This was and is the greatest day of my life. I knew on June 23rd, 2007 that I was having dinner for the first time...with my wife. From that day on, all my actions were made with that goal in mind.
My point is this folks: goals give our day to day actions a purpose, a meaning, and significance. Who wants to just float through life without ever accomplishing or achieving anything? Set goals, strive for excellence, and walk the straight and narrow path in order to achieve those goals. Set daily goals, weekly, monthly, yearly, and major life goals. I want to own a house in the next 5 years. I want to have my first child in the next five years. I want to be the youngest director of this company in the next 3 years. Those goals are all attainable for me, as long as I put in the work to make them possible. I am confident in my abilities. You're goals may be as big as curing cancer, or as small as getting an A+ in your Physics quiz tomorrow. The point is, set them because they honestly do give you more desire to achieve them. If you just go into that quiz with no stated goal, you won't be as motivated. It sounds dumb, but it's true.
-Danny
www.cbt.edu
www.cbt.edu/facebook
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Maximize Your College Experience
It's a fact: College is a huge investment in every way. It's a major investment of money, time, and energy. It requires countless hours of hard work, reading, writing, reviewing, analyzing, critical thinking, cramming, Red Bulling, and bad eating. For some, it's a big party centered around sex, drugs, and rock and roll. Most of the time, those people eventually -but not always- realize that this isn't high school, no one is going to hold your hand, and push you to stay the course. In most colleges, they have zero problem failing you. There are no parent-teacher conferences, no principal visits, no desire to make sure you will stay in school. Why is that? Well, they could easily find someone else to take your place, and fill your seat. Don't believe me? Check Miami Dade College's graduation and retention percentages. It's not pretty. Is it their fault? By no means! MDC is a great college with solid professors, and good programs. They are, however, the second largest college in the country behind the University of Phoenix (let's not even get started down that road). Being that large, you are bound to have higher drop rates, and more trouble making sure students succeed. This discussion isn't about that though. My point is simply that no one will hold your hand and guide you through it. It's all on you. So, what can you do to maximize your college experience? How can you get the most out of college?
I have done some research and have found some keys to collegiate success. I hope these help some of you on your journey through academia.
1. Prioritize!!!
There is no bigger mistake that a person can make in college than not having their priorities in order. Let's just get this out of the way, because I can literally go on about this for 938 pages: College is not a party! People go to college to learn, and prepare themselves for the professional world. The main goal is to get the training and education necessary to succeed in the field you will eventually enter. It is not a 4 -6 or 7 for some- year excuse to go out every night and get hammered, sleep with Regina Random or Stevie Somebody. While you may think those things are important, in the long run, they can end up doing more harm than good. I don't think I need to go into detail about the dangers of excessive binge drinking, drinking and driving, or drinking and sexing. I'm sure you have heard it all before. Remember, you are paying (or borrowing money that will be repaid by you later on) to be in class, learning the skills necessary to be a success in life. Whether you are studying to be a doctor, lawyer, teacher, chemist, speech pathologist, or librarian, your goal should be to become the best in that field. Don't settle for mediocrity in your career because you were too busy partying in college to actually learn anything. Stay on top of your degree track, keep your GPA as high as possible, don't procrastinate, do your own work, and make sure you don't sacrifice your school work for a couple of drinks with the guys. You have your whole life to party, but that assignment can only be turned in once. You can't undo a failing grade in a college transcript. Keep your priorities in check!
2. Learn How to Think...Critically
What does that even mean? Well, in college you are going to come across material and subjects that are new territory for you. These may come in the form of lower division, or very difficult level 4000 courses. Regardless, new material means you will have to actually take the time and LEARN the material.
First, you will have to learn a skill most of us have eluded for years: listen. I don't mean to hear things. I am referring to the practice of filtering the truly vital and distinguishing it from the unnecessary. I am referring to proper note taking (not scribbling every single word spoken by the professor). Learn to speed read through your books (there will be plenty of them), "identify the main points, concepts, and reasoning behind them".
If you don't understand a concept, or idea brought up in class, ask the T.A. or professor. Don't be afraid to speak up in class; raise your hand and ask your question. You will not be laughed at, or thought less of for not understanding. Chances are you aren't the only one with that question. Don't wait for someone else to ask it because they are probably waiting for you to ask. Most professors won't mind going over something again. After all, they get evaluated after each semester, and believe me, those evaluations actually mean something. I work at a college, and have seen bad evaluations lead to dismissal of professors. Take what you learned in the lectures, and expand on it. Learn how to think "critically". Ask yourself “What if” questions. Try to look at what you learned from other possible angles, not just the one that was presented to you by your professor or book. Draw your own conclusions, find different ways of looking at things. Always be able to back up your points, though. Do this, and not only will you impress your professors and build a good rapport with them, but you will take your though process to a new level and develop one of the most useful life skills that you can acquire in college.
Critical thinking often appears in research papers, liberal arts courses, group discussions, and essays. While we did a lot of these types of assignments in high school, the college professor will not give you the same grade you received in high school. Why? Your thought process and critical thinking should improve and mature as you progress through academia. You will have to put more into your papers than fluff and restated introductions. In the case of group discussions, you will hear from a variety of people, each with slightly different perspectives and thought processes. Sometimes, these classmates could blow your mind with their take on a subject. You want to be able to contribute to these discussions. Develop this skill, and it will aid you all your life.
3. Build Lasting and Quality Relationships
This one is quite overlooked in the era of the Social Network. We think that our 762 Facebook "friends", 241 Linked In "connections", and 458 Twitter "followers" form our network. While some of those connections may be very valuable and could pay off big time in our future, it's always a much safer bet to develop quality connections with people at school. What constitutes a quality relationship, though?
It's a simple idea: Make quality friends. Devote some time and energy to the development of lasting, beneficial, friendships. Get out there and connect with classmates. Once you start getting into your program courses (not so much with general education courses), you will begin to see the same faces over and over. Make friends with those faces! Listen to them, provide comfort and advice when necessary, help each other out without expecting a return. Share notes, help them get a job if you can, introduce them to your social circle. These relationships are the ones that can last for a lifetime. High School friends rarely stay friends. Those young relationships often deteriorate and fizzle out as you embark on different paths. It's sad, but so very true. The things that I believe helps maintain these college friendships are common life interests (career), similar fields (which could put you in constant contact), and maturity. The whole maturity thing actually does make a difference. Often times, we find that our middle and high school friends were our friends because we shared common interests in our youth, but as we grew in college, our interests and goals became very different. Now, I'm not saying to dump your high school buddies, I'm simply stating the what and why of it. I have seen this happen dozens of times, and it's usually for these reasons. Your best relationships are almost always created in college.
Join clubs and associations. Get involved in student government, support school athletics, join organizations. Not only does that allow you to become a contributor to the college, but it gives you another avenue to build relationships.
I haven't even gotten to professors yet! Build relationships with the faculty in your program. Chances are you will have the same professors often, so make sure they know who you are by name. Build a great rapport with them. If they have functions or events, attend them. Network with their people. Get noticed in your department for the right reasons. Those professors will one day become great recommendation letters for grad school or future employment. It won't be the case if you do not build relationships with them, though. A professor will not recommend a student who was a ghost in their classes. A professor will not recommend a nameless face. Make sure to build these vital relationships! You will be glad you did...
4. Take Interesting Classes
You don't have to limit yourself to classes in your major. That's what electives are for! Classes unrelated to your major, that offer great skills, and knowledge are great. Take a class on something you have always found interesting but never had the chance to learn about (like Greek Mythology, Latino Literature, French, or History of The Beatles).
In college, Steve Jobs took a calligraphy course. Weird right? Well, he says it ended up influencing the "typography of Apple". You never know what you may take from an outside the box type of course.
"By taking classes that interest you, not only will you learn interesting things about the classes and about yourself, you may find it helpful to you indirectly down the road".
5. Socialize
Being shy is not an option in college. Learning how to socialize is not only important in college, but it's extremely important life skill for your career. It can help you develop more than almost any other skill. What better place to learn these skills than in college?
Talk to your classmates. "By socializing in class, you can easily form study groups", have someone to share notes with in case you miss a class or didn't feel satisfied with your notes. And of course, you can develop quality relationships (you remember that, right?)
6. Gain Work Experience
Rather, gain good work experience. I know it's much easier to just work at American Eagle or Starbucks, but where will that get you? It may help you pay for things in the short term, but this is not the ideal job for college students. Again, it is the easiest job to find, but I recommend you go in a different direction.
Take the time to find a quality job or internship related to your field. This is very important, because it can help you figure out whether you really WANT to do that. Too often, a person spends thousands of dollars and 4 to 6 years of their lives on something they soon discover is not for them. That is completely tragic and possibly avoidable. Find jobs or internships in your field. If you want to be a lawyer, apply as a legal assistant, or law office receptionist. If you want to be a nurse, apply as a medical office front desk. If your career allows for internships (journalism, advertising, business, etc.), find one before someone else takes it. Who knows, they may love your work so much that they keep you on after your graduate as a full time, well paid employee. It could also help you "Build Quality Relationships"!
Trust me when I tell you that this is extremely important, and always everyone puts it off until after they graduate. By that time, you shouldn't be interning, but full time, and salaried. So many people fail to do this, and then wonder why they can't get that job they want. There will be plenty of graduates in your degree program. What separates you from them? Your work experience and connections.
7. Time Management!!
Why do today what you could put off until tomorrow? That's the typical person's mentality. Instead, don't put of until tomorrow, what can be accomplished today, that way you can stay ahead of everyone else tomorrow! Believe it or not, you have more activities to accomplish in college than beer pong, and flip cup! You have a ton of classwork.You have to learn, study,, think critically, build relationships, exercise, work, etc. That's a loaded schedule. Oh, and don't forget family time. Never neglect your family. Few things in life are more important than our families, yet they often fall behind friends, and fun. So, how can you manage your time? Create "to do" lists, create updates calendars using tools like Outlook and Google. Keep a schedule and stick to it. Don’t procrastinate. Go to class, study, do your work. Make time for friends, and a social life, but not at the expense of your school work. Remember, you have your whole life to have fun. Most people will only work from 9AM through 6PM, and they don't take their work home. That leaves weekends, and nights open for the rest of your life. Get through college with effective time management, and prioritizing properly. Read up on time management techniques, and USE THEM!!!
8. Have Fun!
I know I have sounded like Johnny No Fun throughout this entire rant of mine. The reason for that is that I want to stress the importance of success in your collegiate life, above all else. That success in the classroom can lead you to huge success (through financial success and life satisfaction). Don't sacrifice your grades for the parties. That doesn't mean you shouldn't have fun, though. I'm not going to say, "hey guys, go to the parties, the clubs, the midnight underwear runs, the games, the concerts, and drink beer with your buddies on Thursday night". That's not me, so I won't tell you that those things are awesome, and essential to the "life experience". I personally don't think they are, and can say that having done those things. I prefer going out to eat with my friends, and just cracking jokes, talking, eating, playing games, going to watch the Marlins or Dolphins, and watching movies and TV shows. That's me, though. Expand your social circle, try new foods, listen to different types of music, join clubs, and associations at school, volunteer for charitable events, help the homeless, visit a nursing home! Have fun and take pictures!
-Danny
www.cbt.edu
www.cbt.edu/facebook
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Social Media in the Classroom
Have you ever taken an online class? As an FIU student who worked full time, I became accustomed to the convenience of online classes. At FIU, we used Blackboard as our online education LMS (learning management system). Miami Dade uses Angel, and Keiser University uses CampusVue as their portal. Many people in the education industry assume that in order to run online courses, it must be done through an LMS. Those systems were originally designed to allow faculty to transition their on campus courses to fully online without having to learn HTML coding. Anyone who has messed with HTML knows it's no walk in the park, and certainly not something a busy college professor wants to learn just to facilitate a group of students. These systems, like Blackboard, provided all the tools necessary to deliver an online course in one simple, and easy to use (somewhat) package.
Take it from someone who took almost two full years of classes though Blackboard; it's not that simple. These systems are flawed, glitchy, and not without confusing elements. They may be convenient, but they're not flawless. As online learning has grown, so did the functionality of course management systems. As the systems grew, they became more and more complex and fragile. The systems that were once managed by faculty is now monitored and kept up and running by IT guys, and webmasters.
Now, professors around the country have taken control back from system administrators by implementing social media sites (such as this one)into their curriculum. Blogs, Wikis, Skype, Facebook, Twitter, and VoiceThread are being used in ways never imagined. From using Twitter as a real time discussion forum, to writing assignments being turned in via Blogger, professors are learning to maximize these free resources we thought were only around to post pictures from that Pi Kappa Phi party, and tell everyone that, "I'm going to the beach on Friday with the chicas!"
The beauty of using these sites as an online learning tool is that they are free, and easy to use. Instead of spending hours upon hours stocking modules into an LMS, a faculty member can simply write a blog in minutes, start a Twitter discussion in seconds, and spend all of his/her time communicating with the students. It creates a great platform for learning because it is interactive and personal. The professor can help individuals out more easily than through Blackboard emails and forums, which often go down for hours at a time due to glitches.
These methods of e-learning have started to catch on with select colleges and universities, but most do not have a social media strategy in place at the moment. They still believe online classes must be run through an LMS. Some systems, like Blackboard, are adding social media modules like blogs, but they are locked down in the LMS, thus restricting the openness and exponential power that gives these forms of media its value.
It's about time we started seeing social media as more than just a hang out spot to talk to our friends, and realize that it is a networking tool that can make or break our professional lives. An obscene amount of companies are looking into a person's social media portfolio before committing to hiring a person. Why would they do that? Well, we are living in a time of great economic discord, and jobs are difficult to come by. Companies don't want to waste their time and money on anything less than the best. They have so many options on who to hire because so many qualified people are unemployed. Who do you think will get the job between two identical resumes? The person with the professional Linked In account, and a Facebook that shows them to be responsible, mature adults worthy of ________ company, or the person who has a Facebook full of drunken escapades and shady friends?
Social Media will be a big part of the classroom within the next five years. I don't think it's a bold prediction to say that...
-Danny
www.cbt.edu
www.cbt.edu/facebook
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
A Good Portfolio: Sushi for the Graphic Soul!
When we were in our early elementary school years, we were introduced to this amazing activity known only as "Show and Tell". We probably think we haven't played a rousing game of Show and Tell since those kindergarten days. The fact is nothing could be further from the truth. When one goes out looking for a job, they bring along with them a very important Show and Tell item. We call it a resume! This is especially true for anyone in the arts, particularly a Graphic Designer. It may be an age old cliche, but a picture really is worth a thousand words. A graphic designer’s entire livelihood depends on his/her ability to communicate effectively with their audience using visually striking material. So it should come as no surprise when I tell you that your graphic design portfolio is the most important thing you bring with you to a job for potential employers. While your education level, previous work experience, industry certifications, or any other qualification you may possess are useful for bringing you into the interview room, it will not suffice if you present a sloppy portfolio or mediocre samples. You can have all the qualifications, all the certifications, all the degrees, and all the prestige, but if you don't have good work to show, you will be going nowhere fast.
I have done some research, and found these tips on how to put together a great portfolio. If you are an up and coming graphic designer, read carefully and heed these small tidbits of wisdom. They could be the difference between your dream job, and the unemployment line...
1. Make it "Catchy" not "Kitschy"
So, you may be asking yourself, "what the heck does that mean?" Well, kitsch is defined as a form of art that is considered an inferior, tasteless copy of an extant style of art or a worthless imitation of art. Now, I may not be an expert on copyright laws, or principles of advertising, but I seriously doubt knock offs, and imitations of other pieces of art will not appeal to a potential employer. "You're trying to show your work to its best advantage, so don't distract from it with too many bells and whistles."
2. Don't lose sight of your primary objective
While it is always a good idea to set yourself apart, don't overdo it. You should differentiate yourself from your competition with a clever layout, but don't lose sight of your graphic design portfolio's objective: to display your WORK. Don't divert attention away from it with "fluff". It doesn't work in a college English course, it won't work in a graphic designer's portfolio.
3. Diversity is not just an old wooden ship used in the Civil War era
Just as a singer can show their vocal range, you as a graphic designer must do the same with your portfolio. "Choose pieces that required you to utilize a variety of design skills. Versatility is an asset. If you've got it, flaunt it. And if you don't, develop it." Bring a smorgasbord of work, to demonstrate how diverse and well rounded your skills are as a designer. Nobody wants to hire a "one trick pony", remember that...
4. Seek out the experts
It's hard to examine your work objectively. It is also not a great idea to seek an outside opinion from a parent, significant other, or close friend. While they may have certain pieces they prefer, they are not experts, nor have they ever presented a portfolio to a potential employer. "Find someone whose design judgment you trust and get their feedback on your graphic design portfolio. Sometimes a brutally honest critique can be the best thing that happens to you." Side note, even if your parent, significant other, or best friend is an expert, it's best to find an impartial third party expert, who won't pull any punches, and can offer truly valuable insight.
4. K.I.S.S.
When asked what the greatest piece of sales advice Michael Scott had ever given him, Dwight Schrute responded, "Keep it simple, stupid." Don't clutter your portfolio with sentimental pieces. "Just because it was your favorite project ever, doesn't mean it should be in your portfolio. Hang it on your wall, or frame it for your mom. If it's not your strongest work, keep it out of your portfolio." The ability to look at your work critically and realistically is vital for a graphic designer. "Your portfolio should reflect both your ability to produce high quality design and your ability to discern what qualifies as high quality design."
5. Go viral with it
We are living in the 21st century, in what is known as the "App Age". The internet is the default tool for everything now. The best thing about this tool is its ability to take something and multiply its value exponentially. Just take Linked In as an example: You make 146 connections with people you know and people in related fields, and you are now "linked" to 2,865,525+ professionals. Imagine how many resume views you are opening yourself up to that way! Another example is Facebook. You post a status update, and your 384 friends view it, and 7 of those friends comment on it. Now, all of their friends have the opportunity to see your update. Should any of those people decide to "like" to comment made by someone within your update, all of THEIR friends now get to see it, too. The internet doesn't multiply viewership by 2 or 3, it multiplies it by 100, 1,000, and for some people 1,000,000. "Why not make it easy for prospective employers and clients to view your work?" Keep in mind that an online portfolio will not replace your hard copy, it's an easy, affordable, and convenient way to get your work out there for the entire world to see.
-Danny
www.cbt.edu
www.cbt.edu/facebook
I have done some research, and found these tips on how to put together a great portfolio. If you are an up and coming graphic designer, read carefully and heed these small tidbits of wisdom. They could be the difference between your dream job, and the unemployment line...
1. Make it "Catchy" not "Kitschy"
So, you may be asking yourself, "what the heck does that mean?" Well, kitsch is defined as a form of art that is considered an inferior, tasteless copy of an extant style of art or a worthless imitation of art. Now, I may not be an expert on copyright laws, or principles of advertising, but I seriously doubt knock offs, and imitations of other pieces of art will not appeal to a potential employer. "You're trying to show your work to its best advantage, so don't distract from it with too many bells and whistles."
2. Don't lose sight of your primary objective
While it is always a good idea to set yourself apart, don't overdo it. You should differentiate yourself from your competition with a clever layout, but don't lose sight of your graphic design portfolio's objective: to display your WORK. Don't divert attention away from it with "fluff". It doesn't work in a college English course, it won't work in a graphic designer's portfolio.
3. Diversity is not just an old wooden ship used in the Civil War era
Just as a singer can show their vocal range, you as a graphic designer must do the same with your portfolio. "Choose pieces that required you to utilize a variety of design skills. Versatility is an asset. If you've got it, flaunt it. And if you don't, develop it." Bring a smorgasbord of work, to demonstrate how diverse and well rounded your skills are as a designer. Nobody wants to hire a "one trick pony", remember that...
4. Seek out the experts
It's hard to examine your work objectively. It is also not a great idea to seek an outside opinion from a parent, significant other, or close friend. While they may have certain pieces they prefer, they are not experts, nor have they ever presented a portfolio to a potential employer. "Find someone whose design judgment you trust and get their feedback on your graphic design portfolio. Sometimes a brutally honest critique can be the best thing that happens to you." Side note, even if your parent, significant other, or best friend is an expert, it's best to find an impartial third party expert, who won't pull any punches, and can offer truly valuable insight.
4. K.I.S.S.
When asked what the greatest piece of sales advice Michael Scott had ever given him, Dwight Schrute responded, "Keep it simple, stupid." Don't clutter your portfolio with sentimental pieces. "Just because it was your favorite project ever, doesn't mean it should be in your portfolio. Hang it on your wall, or frame it for your mom. If it's not your strongest work, keep it out of your portfolio." The ability to look at your work critically and realistically is vital for a graphic designer. "Your portfolio should reflect both your ability to produce high quality design and your ability to discern what qualifies as high quality design."
5. Go viral with it
We are living in the 21st century, in what is known as the "App Age". The internet is the default tool for everything now. The best thing about this tool is its ability to take something and multiply its value exponentially. Just take Linked In as an example: You make 146 connections with people you know and people in related fields, and you are now "linked" to 2,865,525+ professionals. Imagine how many resume views you are opening yourself up to that way! Another example is Facebook. You post a status update, and your 384 friends view it, and 7 of those friends comment on it. Now, all of their friends have the opportunity to see your update. Should any of those people decide to "like" to comment made by someone within your update, all of THEIR friends now get to see it, too. The internet doesn't multiply viewership by 2 or 3, it multiplies it by 100, 1,000, and for some people 1,000,000. "Why not make it easy for prospective employers and clients to view your work?" Keep in mind that an online portfolio will not replace your hard copy, it's an easy, affordable, and convenient way to get your work out there for the entire world to see.
-Danny
www.cbt.edu
www.cbt.edu/facebook
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Providing a MUCH needed medical service!
Hello everyone!
So, CBT College has opened up a great new service in the Cutler Bay area. As we all know, medical screenings are quite expensive. Even with insurance, you always have to pay a little something in the form of a deductible. For what? For a simple blood test, or cholesterol screening. These services should absolutely be free and offered to everyone. Now, at CBT Cutler Bay, they are!
As of August 30th, the Cutler Bay campus has opened its doors and become an Outreach Health Center. All services are free as a courtesy of CBT College, and will be performed by our medical students. Some of the free medical screenings include:
-Cholesterol
-Glucose
-Blood Group
-Pregnancy Rapid Test
-Strep Throat Rapid Test
-Blood Pressure and Vital Signs
-Weight/Height and BMI
-Pulseoximetry
-Electrocardiogram/Spirometry
-Health and Nutrition Education
These great services will be appointment only. So, don't just show up and expect to be attended to at any time. Just like any medical facility, we will be conducting it by appointment. We are available for these appointments between the hours of 9:00 AM and 6:00 PM, Monday through Friday.
Please take advantage of this service. It is our way of giving back to the South Florida community, and providing a much needed service to those who aren't so lucky to have the means to pay for these tests whenever they want them. If you suspect that you may be pregnant, I strongly urge you to make an appointment and find out for sure. The number to call for an appointment is 305-273-4499 ext. 400
There are few things in life more important than our health, yet we always seem to neglect it. We fill ourselves with insane amounts of terrible food, alcohol, cigarettes, and drugs. We live increasingly sedentary lives. We rarely take vitamins, drink enough water, keep our cholesterol in check, or even sleep enough. If there is one thing we are constantly sacrificing, it's our health. We, who are young, get this idea in our head that tells us we are invincible! We start to believe we can fly around with a red cape,that we are faster than a speeding bullet, more powerful than a locomotive, able to leap tall buildings with a single bound, and have bullets bounce off our chest. What we don't actually realize is that in real life, just about everything can be that little green rock that causes us harm. Every time we puff that cigarette, skip the gym to watch the Biggest Loser (ironically), have one too many shots of tequila, or throw down six cheeseburgers in a single sitting, we are exposing ourselves to kryptonite.
You may find my Superman analogy a little childish (what can I say, we have been watching a lot of Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman), but it holds true for most of us. I am not free from guilt in this. Is it odd to see me at Taco Bell, scarfing down a Mexican Pizza? Absolutely not! If it were possible, I'd have one every day. Do I ever exercise? Definitely not! Why? Simple: it's boring and feels like work. I like to do stuff that is fun, like play a video game, watch movies, design, and have awesomely long discussions. Maybe I should start taking my own advice, right? We should all start living a more health conscious life, and it can start today! So, get on it people!!!
-Danny
www.cbt.edu
www.cbt.edu/facebook
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