Coming back online

As someone who spends many hours on social networking sites throughout the week, I thought it would be an interesting if I took two weeks off of Facebook, and wrote a piece about it.  The following ran in the MBAA Newsletter on 3/9/2011, and gives the summary of my "social network-less" experiment.  

A few weeks ago, I wrote about undertaking a “social network-less” experiment where I pledged to cut off all interaction with Facebook.  My rules were simple, no logging in, no e-mail notifications of activity, and no app or bookmark buttons to tempt or trip me up.  So, at 5:00pm on February 15^th, I changed my profile picture, wrote a farewell status update, and temporarily revoked my citizenship to Zuckerberg nation.  (By the way, did you know that if Facebook were a country, it would have the 3^rd largest population in the world?)

I’ll admit, the first couple of days I found myself looking to habitually login at different parts of the day-- no     surprise there.  But what was interesting was how easy, even refreshing, it became to stay logged off.  I definitely felt as though my social circle had shrunk, as I was limited to communicating with those whose numbers or e-mails I had.  Yet, if something really important came up, I knew there was always a way to get in touch with somebody or vice versa. 

When my two weeks expired, I didn’t rush to logon and binge on hundreds of posts.  In fact, I actually waited a few hours until I had finished studying Business Law that night.  Despite the short amount of time I was off, it felt strange logging in, as evidenced by my second status update I wrote that night: 

“Kind of a surreal feeling now. It's as if I randomly ran into a close friend from high school that I hadn't spoken with in 6 years.”     

I didn’t have a barrage of pokes [four], comments [two or three], missed “events” [only one] and friend requests [just two actually].  The first post I read from my news feed came from a former coworker and friend who wrote about getting stuck in an elevator downtown in a building I worked in with her --something crazy she definitely would’ve told me about in class the next night.  It became clear to me what probably the biggest inherent value of Facebook is to us, something I had prior dubbed “pseudo-connectivity.” 

You know the phenomenon, it’s about being able to run into that person you like, but just don’t see all the time, and automatically being able to ask about the trip they took, or new pet they got, or even congratulate them on getting engaged, all because it was something they shared via social media.  That’s what I missed most while off of Facebook--the little (and sometimes big) moments that have brought us together as a generation.  

So, as I write this, a week back “in the system,” the best lesson/advice I can give from the experience (especially post-Mardi Gras where some are looking to abstain from something for 40 days) is that disconnecting from something like Facebook, or Twitter, or your Crackberry for a pre-determined time is actually kind of refreshing, and sometimes even promoted by companies nowadays, due to our daily information overload.  A short break, not total abandonment, can actually increase your productivity and help you get a better sense of focus. 

At least, that’s what I read on Facebook.      

Running with purpose

I originally wrote this article for the MBAA Newsletter on 2/8/2011 as a way to raise awareness for my friend Andrew Decker's marathon running and fundraising efforts.   

Decker (pictured above #55) prepares for the next play

Not many people would be motivated to wake up early on a Sunday morning and run 26.2 miles through the heart of New Orleans, but that’s exactly what 1^st year student Andrew Decker will be doing this Sunday as he runs the annual Rock n’ Roll Mardi Gras Marathon.  What motivates him isn't insanity, but a sense of personal drive and the desire to help someone in need.

 Andrew first took up running shortly after his LSU football career was cut short during undergrad due to a neck injury.  “When I played football, I practiced and watched film from 2pm-8pm.  Post-football, I suddenly had all this free time, so I started running in order to maintain a healthy  lifestyle.  Being able to put in my earbuds and drown out the world became a relaxing escape; running became my ‘me time.’”

He became interested in running a marathon last semester when he heard that fellow MBA students like 2^nd year Brandon McCord were planning on running the race in New Orleans and raising money for the American Cancer Society.  He decided to run and raise money himself.  “I figured if I wanted to do something for myself, why not help a cause?” 

 

However, his focus changed when Leanne Davis, a former work colleague suffered a brain aneurysm on January 10^th, 2011.  Andrew first met Leanne while working during the summer at United Scaffolding.  He would later become close with her husband, Jimmy, and two young sons, Clayton and Christopher.  Because of his ties to football, Andrew would attend the boys’ little league games, help them train, and give them coaching advice.  “They essentially became my ’Louisiana Family.’ ” As the unthinkable tragedy struck this family, Andrew felt the need to help with their burden in any way he could.  “She was basically in a coma for two weeks or so, and she’s had two different brain operations.  They don’t have insurance, Medicaid is trying to help out, but as of right now they have a little more than $250,000 in medical bills, and she’s still in the ICU. “   Since the family has been trying different ways to raise money from the community, Andrew felt he should use the marathon opportunity to raise awareness and donations.  “She was always supportive of me, in football, school, or if I needed a ride, and I thought, if I’m going to do something I’ve never done before in my life, a milestone to me, why not do it honor of her?”

The family has set up a non-profit account at Whitney bank for those who wish to donate.  They are also having jambalaya sale on April 9^th, tickets are $6.  Please contact Andrew, who will be collecting any cash or checks, for more information.    

Watching it for the commercials

This was originally published in the MBAA Newsletter on 2/8/2011.  In it, I provided some short analysis on my top five favorite Super Bowl commercials.  

Like any diligent marketing student, I’ve been analyzing Super Bowl commercials for several years now.  It’s fascinating to see what companies will do to get their product/service noticed when 111 million pairs of American eyeballs are watching.  The price tag was around $3 million for a 30 second spot, and undoubtedly there were plenty of wasted ad dollars.  Since 1989, the USA Today Ad Meter has ranked the commercials based off group sampling.  While I may not agree with some of their results this year, it was interesting to note that consumer created Doritos/Pepsi Max commercials captured four out of the top ten spots (including a tie for the number one position!).  In the spirit of the Ad Meter, I have picked my top five commercials and offered some quick analysis on them.     

#5 Chevrolet:  "Tommy"    

Something about watching a Chevy Silverado play "Lassie" and rescue little Tommy from a well, whale, volcano, etc. really entertained me.  The truck is portrayed as a helper for life’s tough challenges and the striking visuals conjure up a great sense of adventure.

#4 Hyundai:  "Anachronistic City" 

For me, this one was an excellent use of a unique fantasy world tied to a great brand message.  By showing us that we live in a world of constant product innovation, in which we never settle for version 1.0, the only logical point the consumer can realize is that Hyundai's Sonata Hybrid is in fact, an improved, and better car. 

#3 Motorola:  "Empower the People"  

A fellow MBA and I agree that this was a bit conceptual for the time slot.  However, I think this is truly the most underrated commercial of the game.  Turning the tables on one of the most famous and heralded  Super Bowl commercials ever, Apple is portrayed as the conformist dystopia it once sought to destroy.   A lone individualist uses his XOOM tablet (running Google's Android 3.0) to woo the heart of one of the hundreds of earbud wearing drones.  We are then beckoned to "create a better world" ["Think Different" anybody?] with this new non-iPad tablet.    

#2 Volkswagen:  "The Force" 

The best commercials are those that capture those small idiosyncrasies of life.  What kid who grew up on Star Wars didn't want to use "The Force?"  I especially like this because it not only entertains, but is able to integrate the product feature [Remote Car Starting] seamlessly into the storyline.

#1 Bridgestone:  "Carma"
Like any memorable ad, this one has a great emotional appeal. What’s better than an adorable beaver returning a lifesaving favor?  I predict this one to be discussed around the water cooler this week, and eventually canonized in one of those “Best Super Bowl Commercial” shows, right along with the kid who sucks himself through the straw into the Pepsi bottle.   

What do you think?  Feel free to send me an e-mail or tweet telling me what would be on your favorites list! 

International Intrigue

This was originally published in the 10/5/2010 "International Edition" of the MBAA newsletter.  I wrote this with the intent of highlighting some of our amazing international students and to provide a small glimpse into what life for them, studying abroad, was like. 
   

A map highlighting where our International Students' home countries

In an ever “flattening” world brought together through technology and travel we will get the chance to encounter more of the world than we ever imagined.  Our administration understands this, and not only provides us ways to travel abroad, but also welcomes students from all over the globe to come and experience our own unique culture.  I interviewed several international students in an effort to learn their perspective on life at LSU. 

Currently, there are students representing nine countries in the MBA program.  (Bulgaria, Brasil, China, India, The Gambia, Jamaica, Jordan, Nigeria, and Spain).  Most chose LSU because of scholarships offered, or through a family connection, such as a sibling who previously attended the University.   

Some students have been in the States longer than others, nevertheless, adjusting to a new country and environment is not without challenge; most everyone cited family back home as one of the biggest elements missed, especially those from India, who stressed their strong value on closeness with their parents, whom they live with and care for their entire lives under a “joint family   system.” Authentic versions of food are also sought after, “The local Chinese restaurants are very limited…We’ve driven 4 hours to Houston to get what we wanted to eat,” says Xiaoqian “Grace” Xu.  “We have eight big food cuisines/categories,” states Yun Chai, “each of them is special.”        

Most cite positive similarities to home and a welcoming spirit from the University which helped them adapt, “The emphasis on family and tradition in Louisiana is similar to home,” says Motilewa “Moti” Akerele, The food in Louisiana is also probably the closest I will get to home cooking in the US.”  Arpitha Prakash agrees, “People are very helpful.  To date, I have never encountered anyone giving me a cold shoulder when I have asked for help.”  “The southern hospitality which is so evident at LSU, especially at tailgates, is very similar to India,” expresses Dheeraj Singireddy. 

Indeed, when it came down to campus culture, everyone I spoke to enjoys the LSU football experience.  Dheeraj continues, “Football quickly grew as one of my favorite sports…attending games with some of the most passionate fans in the country is like an honor for me.” Praveen Mudunuri relates, “[Like LSU Football] India [has] a similar craze for cricket, which is like a religion in India.”  This favorite part of life in Louisiana is unfortunately temporary though, as put by Julius Gloeckner, “Football weekends, proximity of friends, and the college lifestyle is unfortunately going to change in 8 months.”

After graduation, plans for most students depend on the opportunities presented to them in the job market.  Most express a desire to ultimately return back to their home country and use the skills they’ve acquired to establish businesses, or work in the financial sector.  There’s also a desire to one day reciprocate their positive experiences, “I had nothing but good experiences throughout my stay here and would love to return the same treatment if any of my colleagues would choose to come to my country in future,” says Dheeraj.  Julius concurs, “If you ever come to Freiburg Germany, give me a call, I can tell you where to eat and drink like a king,” 

Maintaining a thriving diverse culture within LSU and the MBA program is both beneficial and enriching.  It cannot be taken for granted; however and we must constantly work to better understand differences and help others adjust to their new environment.  Grace gives some advice to incoming students facing uncertainty:

“You may feel that life is too different and so tough when you are not familiar with here.  However, after one semester, you will fall in love with the life 

This article would like to use your current location

Note:  This was originally published in the MBAA Newsletter 8/31/2010  


The main concept I wanted to emphasize was "geotagging," like any new technology, can be exciting, but companies (and individuals) should always be sensitive to privacy rights and what information is shared. 

Last week, the news media was abuzz with California’s 9th Circuit Court of Appeals ruling that Fourth
Amendment rights were not violated in a case where Drug Enforcement Agents planted a GPS device, in the middle of the night, on a suspected drug dealer’s car parked in his driveway.  It brings up interesting conversation with friends with how far the government and law enforcement should go in tracking the  movements of private citizens.

What’s surprising to me, however, is how easily people will give up similar, sensitive personal information through various social mediums, most specifically through a new tech called geotagging.”  Wikipedia defines this as, “the process of adding geographical identification metadata to various media such as photographs, video, websites, or RSS feeds.”  Geotagging is predominant in pictures taken on smartphones.  For example, on an iPhone, when you “allow” the camera to “use your current location,” innocuous latitude/longitude data is stored within pictures, and can be easily retrieved when posted online.  The website icanstalku.com was created by computer programmers and security consultants to raise awareness about potential problems arising from this.  The site displays a real time RSS feed that reads the encrypted data of tweets including geotagged pictures.  The result being “translated” tweets showing latitude/longitude data, or an actual address which the unsuspecting person just posted.  The site also predominantly includes instructions on how to disable this feature on your phone.

Social media sites such as Foursquare.com are based around the concept of sharing your location with “friends” by “checking-in” to local businesses.  The concept being you can receive loyalty points from the business, post comments, *Try the Turtle Mochasippi…it’s totally delish and low-cal :-)!” or even see other users within the area.  The system is fully integrated with Twitter and Facebook, and the user has privacy controls of whether or not he/she is visible at certain times, and who can see postings.  Speaking of our beloved Facebook, it has started to allow us to post little maps and “geotag” friends in status updates.

The question really lies in whether or not this new level of connectivity is exciting and useful, or frivolous and potentially unsafe.  Just as we’ve been trained to not post risqué content that could get us in trouble in our careers, we should also be cognizant and assess what sensitive information, such as location based data, we share with our digital peers.  Whether you think Google Street View is a wonderful navigation aid, or you’re holed up in a lead bunker watching Enemy of the State, privacy rights in an exponentially intrusive technological world will be an ongoing debate that will no doubt become even more intense in the days to come.

The Best MBA Advice I Ever Received

Note:  This was originally published on 8/24/10 in my first MBAA Newsletter

Today begins my last “second day of school”, and the beginning of my 6th and final year at the  University.  (I apologize now for the blatant nostalgia which will inevitably percolate in my musings).  There are countless bits of knowledge and advice given throughout these inspiring halls, the majority of which usually only amount to wasted energy entering an easily distracted short-term memory.

However, if I could pass one nugget of wisdom to you as you begin the program, one simple, yet  resonating truth, it would be this:  “Balance in life is everything.” I found the phrase jotted on a white pad that contained my notes from my first POB speaker, and looking back have since recognized its significance.

Let this be a heed of warning to those of you thinking this is just a two year deferment of the real world or an extended college party.  Over the next two years, you’ll face presentation time crunches, loafing group members, and the ever ubiquitous HBR case study; all the while you juggle the other facets of your life such as a part-time job, social life, significant other, and your faith.  It can all get a bit overwhelming, but if you stay focused, work hard, and maintain a healthy balance of all life aspects (especially that last one), you’ll truly find  success within this program.  Ask any second year student, and if they’re truly honest with you, they’ll admit their fair share of late caffeinated nights, groups that met too close to a deadline and an overall disillusionment with the world of statistics.  (No offense, Dr. Chun  :-) ).  However, these same students can also speak of the pride of learning how to write an effective case study, nailing a group presentation, and pulling out an A in a class in which they thought was impossible.

I know for me and my colleagues, this second year won’t be a cake-walk by any means, and life will be on fast forward for the next nine months or so, but by keeping a sense of focus and balance in life, we’ll ultimately find success within this program and beyond.

The Beginning

Welcome to my resume website and blog.  I'm graduating in May from Louisiana State University with my MBA concentrating in Marketing.  The intent of this website is to showcase my writing and creative skills, as well as my understanding of social media.  I will be constantly updating the site with news and information that  relates to marketing and the overall business world.  As Communications Chair for the LSU MBA Association, I create, design, and produce its weekly e-newsletter.  I have included links to some of my favorite issues in the sidebar.  Feel free to look at my resume (located above) and contact or connect with me through any communication medium listed on the sidebar.  Thanks!