I’ve always known about blogging and that it was out there for people to do and use, but I never understood the real purpose of it. I went through an entire course of ITEC to learn about blogging and I ended up with a personal conclusion. “Blogging is not for everyone”. I strongly believe that you have to blog for purpose.
I don’t see the need for someone to go online and give his personal opinion about random stuff like politics, sports, food, etc. There are always going to be millions of people out there that are going to disagree with you. Why do you want to put yourself in a vulnerable situation to get criticized?
I know for a fact that most of the wealthiest people in the world generally do not speak much. Why? Because they LISTEN. They listen to what people think and that way they get to know the people they do business with. They also find opportunities by listening.
I am not saying that blogging is bad, because it is not. It’s just not for everyone.
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Internet Innovations
I thought or heard about this a long time ago but haven’t been following up with technology lately. Computers and the internet have been limited to touch and sight for the past decades. With the advanced technology that we have now a day we can revolucionize this idea and expand into new horizons.
Could you imagine if your online facebook profile or messenger besides having your contact information, favorite quotes, pictures, videos, etc. Also had your unique scent. When someone opens up your online profile, their computer somehow will emit your own unique scent that you would have previously established. This scent could be whatever you want. From the colone you wear on a daily basis to your favorite food. This way, other people will not only identify you with your pictures, but also with a fragrance.
This idea could also be extended to taste. A special hardware will produce samples of unique tastes depending on the person’s profile. These ideas don’t necessarily have to go with online profiles. They could also go with songs or even websites. Technology is evolving exponentially. This is why I am sure that very unique innovasions are going to come in the next two decades.
Could you imagine if your online facebook profile or messenger besides having your contact information, favorite quotes, pictures, videos, etc. Also had your unique scent. When someone opens up your online profile, their computer somehow will emit your own unique scent that you would have previously established. This scent could be whatever you want. From the colone you wear on a daily basis to your favorite food. This way, other people will not only identify you with your pictures, but also with a fragrance.
This idea could also be extended to taste. A special hardware will produce samples of unique tastes depending on the person’s profile. These ideas don’t necessarily have to go with online profiles. They could also go with songs or even websites. Technology is evolving exponentially. This is why I am sure that very unique innovasions are going to come in the next two decades.
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Cell phones and texting
When I first came to the United States 4 years ago the first thing that I noticed as I walked through the quad of American University was that every single student owned a cell phone. It was shocking to me how most of the students were on the phone while comuting from their dorm room to class. If they were not speaking on their cell phone while walking through the quad, they were using their cell phone to text their friends. It was shocking to me because where I come from people my age are not so dependent in their cell phones. I think it is because Mexico is not so technologicaly advanced as the United States. Plus, not a lot of people can afford the telecomunication services that are offered.
Blackberrys and iphones
Cell phones have evolved incredibly during the last 5 years. They went from being simple phones to pretty much small laptop computers. During the past couple of years, a lot of my friends have been buying blackberries and iphones. I’ve noticed that these people have become addicted and dependent to their cell phones. If they don’t have their phones with them, they feel naked. They are texting ALL day! In class, the bathroom, the club, restaurants, everywhere! I find it anoying because I refuse to text. I do not see the point of texting when you can call them and speak to them in person.
I found a youtube video on text messaging which I found very interesting. There are a couple interviews on the pros and cons of texting.
Blackberrys and iphones
Cell phones have evolved incredibly during the last 5 years. They went from being simple phones to pretty much small laptop computers. During the past couple of years, a lot of my friends have been buying blackberries and iphones. I’ve noticed that these people have become addicted and dependent to their cell phones. If they don’t have their phones with them, they feel naked. They are texting ALL day! In class, the bathroom, the club, restaurants, everywhere! I find it anoying because I refuse to text. I do not see the point of texting when you can call them and speak to them in person.
I found a youtube video on text messaging which I found very interesting. There are a couple interviews on the pros and cons of texting.
Sunday, April 6, 2008
Politics and social networks
A politician’s main goal is to gain popularity among the general public. That means they need to find the most effective way to comunicate with the people. The best ways to comunicate used to be TV and radio, but lately, people have been using the internet more. People are getting access to the Internet more and more every day and people are becoming active users. Politicians have to find a way to use the internet to their advantage to target these active internet users.
Politicians have to start using the popular online networking services like facebook and myspace to target the young population and get them involved so they can get motivated and eventually vote for then in the next elections. I think they are doing a wonderfull job by creating social groups inside these networking websites and informing the people on their candidates and plans for the future. This way, people can actually make an educated decision about the candidate or party they want to vote for.
Politicians have to start using the popular online networking services like facebook and myspace to target the young population and get them involved so they can get motivated and eventually vote for then in the next elections. I think they are doing a wonderfull job by creating social groups inside these networking websites and informing the people on their candidates and plans for the future. This way, people can actually make an educated decision about the candidate or party they want to vote for.
Monday, March 31, 2008
Hiring by referral
Recruiting through refreal is being used more and more each day. Companies around the US, especially in the financial industry, gives some kind of compensation to their employees if they recomend someone and gets the job. This is a win win situacion for everyone. Employees want to network and meet as many qualified people as possible in order a job comes up. These employees do not want to refer a person that is not qualified because they will loose credibility with the human resource department and they will make the person they refered waste their time.
The first and main goal of a person seeking employment is to get an e mail or a call to schedule a prelimenary interview. There are numerous ways to get your resume into human resources, but in my opinion, there are some better than others. In most companies, you can submit your resume through their websit. You can also mail your resume inn directy to their human resource department. The most effective way I believe you can make your resume get there is by getting a current employee from the company to take it personally to the HR deparment. It will help a lot if he stapes a recomendation letter to your resume.
The grand majority of friends that have gotten a job in New York City is through recomendations. I haven’t heard from anyone that has been called to get an interview that posted their resume on the company website. What I am trying to say is that it is very important to network and meet people. You never know if you are going to need them in the future. You might not, but I am sure some esle will in the future and you are going to refer them to that person.
The first and main goal of a person seeking employment is to get an e mail or a call to schedule a prelimenary interview. There are numerous ways to get your resume into human resources, but in my opinion, there are some better than others. In most companies, you can submit your resume through their websit. You can also mail your resume inn directy to their human resource department. The most effective way I believe you can make your resume get there is by getting a current employee from the company to take it personally to the HR deparment. It will help a lot if he stapes a recomendation letter to your resume.
The grand majority of friends that have gotten a job in New York City is through recomendations. I haven’t heard from anyone that has been called to get an interview that posted their resume on the company website. What I am trying to say is that it is very important to network and meet people. You never know if you are going to need them in the future. You might not, but I am sure some esle will in the future and you are going to refer them to that person.
Monday, March 24, 2008
EPIC 2014
I watched the EPIC 2014 documentary and I found it very interesting. It talked about how in 2014 Google could use its Google Grid to collect news from its users and somehow give it back. Because the information and news is coming from the consumers, the news that is tailored back could be untrue. This would be called Epic.
I wouldn’t say that Epic is something to look forward to. People want to be well informed of what is happening on a daily base and people are willing to do anything for good, up to date and reliable information. I do not believe Epic will share reliable and trustworthy information, therefore I felt kind of scared when I saw the video.
This Epic idea could really happen because of the fact that people are relying each day more and more on the internet to read their news. That is why probably most of the world newspapers are posting their news online for their subscribed readers to read.
I wouldn’t have any inconvenience of media companies consolidating and becoming one huge media corporation if the news they are sharing is true and up to date. A problem with this scenario is that this could lead to a monopoly in the media services which means that they could have the power to manipulate the general public. Epic could turn into one of these monopolies. I know this sounds kind of drastic, but this has happened and this is something to watch out for.
I wouldn’t say that Epic is something to look forward to. People want to be well informed of what is happening on a daily base and people are willing to do anything for good, up to date and reliable information. I do not believe Epic will share reliable and trustworthy information, therefore I felt kind of scared when I saw the video.
This Epic idea could really happen because of the fact that people are relying each day more and more on the internet to read their news. That is why probably most of the world newspapers are posting their news online for their subscribed readers to read.
I wouldn’t have any inconvenience of media companies consolidating and becoming one huge media corporation if the news they are sharing is true and up to date. A problem with this scenario is that this could lead to a monopoly in the media services which means that they could have the power to manipulate the general public. Epic could turn into one of these monopolies. I know this sounds kind of drastic, but this has happened and this is something to watch out for.
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Virtual Meetings
Less than 20 years ago meetings had to be scheduled way ahead of time to ensure everyone was present at the same place. Now, due to globalization and technological developments, virtual meetings and accessibility have made Virtual Team more popular in nationwide and international businesses. This way of working together has become a lot more efficient because people do not need to travel to other cities or countries to work on a project. It also decreases the overall costs for companies and bussineses. Another advantage is that teams of people can be formed despite large distances between its members. Distance does not become an obstacle for getting the adequate member. However, motivating people to work over long distance becomes more of a challenge. Team leaders have to be personal and being a good leader is more of a hassle. In my opninion, personal interaction is very important in working in a team.
I found a fasinating video on youtube. Cisco is having a Virtual Company Meeting.
Where is the technological trend going? Where are meetings going to be held in the future?
I found a fasinating video on youtube. Cisco is having a Virtual Company Meeting.
Where is the technological trend going? Where are meetings going to be held in the future?
Sunday, March 2, 2008
Business Networking
I completly agree with the quote "It's Not What You Know, It's Who You Know" and I strngly believe that one of the most important things in life is to have a good and reliable network.
I strongly believe in this because I recently had an experience that has something to do with this. I am a senior in college and I am activeley seeking employment in the financial industry. I applied to hundreds of jobs online and did not receive a follow up to any of my applications. I was shocked at the beginning because I believe I am very qualified for any of the jobs I applied. I have very good grades and have a ot of work experience in the industry.
After a couple months, I got tired of sitting and waiting for a response so I decided to take a different approach. I contacted people (Parents, uncles, cousins, friends, godfathers, etc.) that I knew have an extensive and reliable network in the financial world that could maybe help me get in touch with someone that could help me out. I got in touch with several people working in finance through my contacts. These people helped me out and got me an interview with their companies.
This example of mine clearly demonstrates how important it is to know people. I am glad I got to understand the importance of networking this early in my life because I am sure there are grown ups out there that still don’t have a clue. I know take advantage of any opportunity I have to go out there, meet people and leave a good impression of myself because you never know when you are going to see them again in the future.
I found a very interesting video about The Power of Networking. John Clark, President of LifeToSuccess.com, speaks about how important it is to network and how to make the best out of networking situations.
I strongly believe in this because I recently had an experience that has something to do with this. I am a senior in college and I am activeley seeking employment in the financial industry. I applied to hundreds of jobs online and did not receive a follow up to any of my applications. I was shocked at the beginning because I believe I am very qualified for any of the jobs I applied. I have very good grades and have a ot of work experience in the industry.
After a couple months, I got tired of sitting and waiting for a response so I decided to take a different approach. I contacted people (Parents, uncles, cousins, friends, godfathers, etc.) that I knew have an extensive and reliable network in the financial world that could maybe help me get in touch with someone that could help me out. I got in touch with several people working in finance through my contacts. These people helped me out and got me an interview with their companies.
This example of mine clearly demonstrates how important it is to know people. I am glad I got to understand the importance of networking this early in my life because I am sure there are grown ups out there that still don’t have a clue. I know take advantage of any opportunity I have to go out there, meet people and leave a good impression of myself because you never know when you are going to see them again in the future.
I found a very interesting video about The Power of Networking. John Clark, President of LifeToSuccess.com, speaks about how important it is to network and how to make the best out of networking situations.
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Is there such thing as Privacy on the internet?
The internet is rather new to the people and it is becoming more and more popular each day with social networks and networking services. Many people would say these tools are the greatest things ever developed. Thses people are not taking in consideration one of the most important things people are loosing by uploading their information into the web, PRIVACY.
People have to start being more careful about what kind of information they upload into the web. This goes to everyone. No one knows where they are going to end up in 20 or 30 years from now. You might not know it right now because you are only 20 years old, but you can end up becoming a CEO for a multinational corporation or even the president of the United States. You migh have done some dumb things in the past and uploaded pictures or viedos into the internet. This pictures and videos are eventually going to come up, even if you uploaded them 30 or 40 years ago. Remeber that everything that is going on on the web is recorded and stored.
Uploading simple things like telephone numbers, addresses, and sometimes even e-mails can be dangerous. You never know who has access to that information. With social networks like MySpace and Facebook, people are slowly loosing their privacy and exclusivity. I found a great video on youtube which coments on how people are loosing privacy because of the internet:
With the web growing exponentially and more and more people using it on a regular basis, it is very important for people to be carefull of the information they post on the internet. I am sure there are severa secure networks out there that are safe to post personal information, but I sugest that people be cautios before doing so.
People have to start being more careful about what kind of information they upload into the web. This goes to everyone. No one knows where they are going to end up in 20 or 30 years from now. You might not know it right now because you are only 20 years old, but you can end up becoming a CEO for a multinational corporation or even the president of the United States. You migh have done some dumb things in the past and uploaded pictures or viedos into the internet. This pictures and videos are eventually going to come up, even if you uploaded them 30 or 40 years ago. Remeber that everything that is going on on the web is recorded and stored.
Uploading simple things like telephone numbers, addresses, and sometimes even e-mails can be dangerous. You never know who has access to that information. With social networks like MySpace and Facebook, people are slowly loosing their privacy and exclusivity. I found a great video on youtube which coments on how people are loosing privacy because of the internet:
With the web growing exponentially and more and more people using it on a regular basis, it is very important for people to be carefull of the information they post on the internet. I am sure there are severa secure networks out there that are safe to post personal information, but I sugest that people be cautios before doing so.
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Web Stalkers
I believe that being a totally different person on the Internet, if it’s either by using a different name, or describing themselves in an idealistic way, makes people feel and believe that they will be accepted because they are meeting a certain societal expectation.
I consider that this is wrong, because they aren’t living a reality and they aren’t accepting themselves as they are. The Internet is a powerful tool that allows people to fake and play with other people’s lives; they can be anyone they want to be living in a fictitious world. The consequences that these people have to face are that sooner or later these people are going to have to face problems that come with dual personalities. These people are still living a life that they do not accept creating depressions, addictions or pathological behaviors. In addition it becomes harder for them to face problems and real life situations when presented.
On the other hand the Internet is a medium where you are exposed to different languages, cultures, and communicate with people that might have the same issues that you do and you can identify and feel supported by them. These alter egos help users to keep their identities secret and make them feel free to say whatever they want online.
The down side to this is that people take advantage of these services. Some people use this to stalk people. I found a video on youtube showing how people stalk other people.
I also found a really interesting book online called Web Stalers which explains how to protect yourself from web stalkers. This is the cober of the book:
www.librerialuces.com/fotos/9780974599397.jpg
I consider that this is wrong, because they aren’t living a reality and they aren’t accepting themselves as they are. The Internet is a powerful tool that allows people to fake and play with other people’s lives; they can be anyone they want to be living in a fictitious world. The consequences that these people have to face are that sooner or later these people are going to have to face problems that come with dual personalities. These people are still living a life that they do not accept creating depressions, addictions or pathological behaviors. In addition it becomes harder for them to face problems and real life situations when presented.
On the other hand the Internet is a medium where you are exposed to different languages, cultures, and communicate with people that might have the same issues that you do and you can identify and feel supported by them. These alter egos help users to keep their identities secret and make them feel free to say whatever they want online.
The down side to this is that people take advantage of these services. Some people use this to stalk people. I found a video on youtube showing how people stalk other people.
I also found a really interesting book online called Web Stalers which explains how to protect yourself from web stalkers. This is the cober of the book:
www.librerialuces.com/fotos/9780974599397.jpg
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Sunday, February 10, 2008
User Generated Content
UGC or User Generated Content is media content produced by users. There are some good things as well as some bad things about UGC. A great thing about UGC is that you do not need a staff of people working on updating the websites or the information sources. Daily users are the people who are working on these websites and search engines on a regular basis. Because of this constant updating and uploading of new information, people have access to more and more information and information sources each day.
Some negative facts about UGC are that some of the information on the websites could be outdated or even false. The people providing this information is the general public so it is up to you to trust or not the source from where you are reading the information. Copyright and who owns the content problems also come up with UGC websites.
In my opinion UGC is a very good thing because it provides a way for people to share their knowledge with one another. I believe UGC is just starting and is going to become something really big in the future. I found a very interesting video on Youtube.com called Future Talks.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=eef4Fgrb5c4
The video speaks about UGC and the future. It states a very strong point about how people have a lot on their mind and the only way they can get it out is through the internet.
Some negative facts about UGC are that some of the information on the websites could be outdated or even false. The people providing this information is the general public so it is up to you to trust or not the source from where you are reading the information. Copyright and who owns the content problems also come up with UGC websites.
In my opinion UGC is a very good thing because it provides a way for people to share their knowledge with one another. I believe UGC is just starting and is going to become something really big in the future. I found a very interesting video on Youtube.com called Future Talks.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=eef4Fgrb5c4
The video speaks about UGC and the future. It states a very strong point about how people have a lot on their mind and the only way they can get it out is through the internet.
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
My friend Steve
I want you people out there to meet my very good friend Steve. He runs track for American University. He is an accounting major as well.
Sunday, February 3, 2008
Product Customization
Everyone is always looking for product customization because it fulfills an indivudual’s needs. Customized products are also seen as luxury products. Product customization is what people now a days is looking for.
Obviously, it is very difficult to please every single customer and provide a unique customized product for each person. Companies have figured out a way to to bring these specific products to the general public. A great example is Nike. Nike has created a website http://www.nikeid.com/ and a boutique in New York that personally customize shoes for their clients.
They have taken advantage of the technology out there to optimize these services. Using the web and their innovative mind they came up with these services. By providing advertising and an online website with specific and easy instructions on how to create and customize the shoes, they have increased their sales exponentially.
Nike earned millions of dollars by being innovators and the first ones in the industry to come up with personally customized shoes. I went online to read some reviews on NikeID and almost every review I read came out good. This website also gave them a very good reating:
http://www.epinions.com/content_412774731396
Businesses should follow Nike’s example and use technology and the web in their favor to increase sales. They should also try to be innovators and come up with new and creative ways to make their products interesting and different from their competitors.
Obviously, it is very difficult to please every single customer and provide a unique customized product for each person. Companies have figured out a way to to bring these specific products to the general public. A great example is Nike. Nike has created a website http://www.nikeid.com/ and a boutique in New York that personally customize shoes for their clients.
They have taken advantage of the technology out there to optimize these services. Using the web and their innovative mind they came up with these services. By providing advertising and an online website with specific and easy instructions on how to create and customize the shoes, they have increased their sales exponentially.
Nike earned millions of dollars by being innovators and the first ones in the industry to come up with personally customized shoes. I went online to read some reviews on NikeID and almost every review I read came out good. This website also gave them a very good reating:
http://www.epinions.com/content_412774731396
Businesses should follow Nike’s example and use technology and the web in their favor to increase sales. They should also try to be innovators and come up with new and creative ways to make their products interesting and different from their competitors.
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Bussineses and Blogging
Businesses and corporations have to be carefull and try to control what people say openly on-line about their companies. More and more poeple are having access to the internet because of globalization and the internet's popularity which means that more people are aware of what people are saying on line. A company can experience significant losses if someone with power or with a large network starts a rumor about the company on a blog.
I strongly believe that businesses have to have a staff of people dedicated to reading on what people have to say in the blogs. It is always good for the company to not just know what people are saying about the company, but also about their vendors and competitors. These people have to be knowledgeable and qualified to know how to deal with inapropriate comments and situations.
I found a very interesting article describing how two companies delt with news and rumors that broke into the blogging world.
http://money.cnn.com/news/newsfeeds/articles/newstex/IBD-0001-22205040.htm
Businesses can also use blogs to their advantage as well. Bloggers are always saying what they like, what they don’t like, what they would like. Businesses can take advantage of this by creating products or services that fills the needs of these people. They can also use blogs to advertise their products and companies.
I strongly believe that businesses have to have a staff of people dedicated to reading on what people have to say in the blogs. It is always good for the company to not just know what people are saying about the company, but also about their vendors and competitors. These people have to be knowledgeable and qualified to know how to deal with inapropriate comments and situations.
I found a very interesting article describing how two companies delt with news and rumors that broke into the blogging world.
http://money.cnn.com/news/newsfeeds/articles/newstex/IBD-0001-22205040.htm
Businesses can also use blogs to their advantage as well. Bloggers are always saying what they like, what they don’t like, what they would like. Businesses can take advantage of this by creating products or services that fills the needs of these people. They can also use blogs to advertise their products and companies.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)