This weekend, we really got to know the concept of networking. I had the opportunity to meet some great entrepreneurs, and will hope to continue talking to them. It's been amazing though, the power of networking.
To think that...
1) You'd offer to help people that you've only met once, even if you have no vested interest in their success
2) You'd continue to talk to people that there's a 95% chance you probably won't see again
It's quite nice from my point of view, but I guess networking is really a two-way avenue. While I am getting help from those with more experience (who have not been shy in giving me sound advice), I am also expected to help those still in high school, and, eventually, those who are less experienced than I am. And those to the left and right of me too. Who knows, maybe we'll need favours from each other someday.
But the concept of networking, it's beautiful. Helping people because you want to. Maybe people do have ulterior motives. But based on my experiences, with people whom I met once at a dinner table e-mailing me with opportunities in the summer, I don't see it.
Monday, November 24, 2008
Sunday, November 9, 2008
ASEC Case Competition
I've been spending the majority of the previous two days at a case competition, where we attended workshops on teamwork, studying, and being professional, as well as coming up with presentations in a short period of time.
Saturday - Accounting
Sponsored by the ICAO, we were given 15 minutes to talk about the conflict of interest between different users of financial statements, and analyze the cost-benefits of having some aspects of the financial statement included, arguing whether they were or were not helpful, especially in the current state of our economy.
I absolutely bombed this section (15 minute preparation for a 10 minute presentation!?). I was unsure of what I wanted to say, and I tensed up, which is weird for me, since I generally do not get nervous about public speaking. The judge was nice, but I could tell he wasn't extremely impressed. I stuttered my way through it, and kept going in circles about the economy. Oh well, it definitely will help me in the future, and I learned from my errors.
Sunday - Marketing
We got into groups of four (randomly, I didn't know anyone in my group) and market a product. We got 30 minutes to create a 10 minute presentation, and we were not allowed to market the randomly selected product for its conventional use. We drew a egg poacher, and turned it into a childrens' lunchbox. I spoke about the current flailing state of our economy, and how inexpensive these boxes would be for the families struggling to make ends meet. We did an amazing job, and finished first out of 24 or so teams. I felt really confident speaking, and we were able to answer questions very well, showing that we had really thought about what we were marketing. It was good too, because the case asked us to consider the current state of our economy and how it may affect spending and marketing, and we really did a fantastic job about it.
Made me feel better after a crappy solo presentation. Too bad there was no monetary prize (the solo accounting presentation had a $400 prize for 1st).
Saturday - Accounting
Sponsored by the ICAO, we were given 15 minutes to talk about the conflict of interest between different users of financial statements, and analyze the cost-benefits of having some aspects of the financial statement included, arguing whether they were or were not helpful, especially in the current state of our economy.
I absolutely bombed this section (15 minute preparation for a 10 minute presentation!?). I was unsure of what I wanted to say, and I tensed up, which is weird for me, since I generally do not get nervous about public speaking. The judge was nice, but I could tell he wasn't extremely impressed. I stuttered my way through it, and kept going in circles about the economy. Oh well, it definitely will help me in the future, and I learned from my errors.
Sunday - Marketing
We got into groups of four (randomly, I didn't know anyone in my group) and market a product. We got 30 minutes to create a 10 minute presentation, and we were not allowed to market the randomly selected product for its conventional use. We drew a egg poacher, and turned it into a childrens' lunchbox. I spoke about the current flailing state of our economy, and how inexpensive these boxes would be for the families struggling to make ends meet. We did an amazing job, and finished first out of 24 or so teams. I felt really confident speaking, and we were able to answer questions very well, showing that we had really thought about what we were marketing. It was good too, because the case asked us to consider the current state of our economy and how it may affect spending and marketing, and we really did a fantastic job about it.
Made me feel better after a crappy solo presentation. Too bad there was no monetary prize (the solo accounting presentation had a $400 prize for 1st).
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Keeping Up With The American Election
It's pretty much over. Barring some West-Coast miracle (not gonna happen), Barack Obama will be our next president.
In some ways, it's great. Obama is a symbol of hope, of change. He's been profoundly against the war, and he shows great promise. As well, he is just another example of how racial barriers are falling.
In other ways, it's disappointing. We see reverse racism, inexperience, questionable morals.
There is a lot of good and bad that comes with each candidate. Contrary to popular opinion, Jesus isn't a Republican.
One has to wonder, however, what this means for the United States of America.
In some ways, it's great. Obama is a symbol of hope, of change. He's been profoundly against the war, and he shows great promise. As well, he is just another example of how racial barriers are falling.
In other ways, it's disappointing. We see reverse racism, inexperience, questionable morals.
There is a lot of good and bad that comes with each candidate. Contrary to popular opinion, Jesus isn't a Republican.
One has to wonder, however, what this means for the United States of America.
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