Will Google ever stop?

When analyzing cases it is important to provide relevant and up-to-date information along with sound examples to strengthen your stance. I have spoken with past OCMC participants and they suggested that in the days leading up to the competition students should monitor the media to identify up-to-date examples that are relative to their topic in which they could possibly integrate into their presentation.

Not only does this have the potential to strengthen what you are proposing to the judges, but it also shows that you have an interest in what you are talking about.  Although you may not find anything that applies to your topic, at the very least it is worth taking a look at.

Okay, now on to Google. Before I started writing this article, I typed in “Google competes with”, and before I could even finish my sentence this is what the search engine (yes- it was also Google) produced for me:

Earlier this week Google announced an expansion to their long anticipated music download and cloud service. According to Google, the site and mobile applications will be up and running within the next two weeks. Although the services will still be in beta mode, it is anticipated that Google will not disappoint. I am going to highlight some of the key reasons as to why Google is trying to take a bite out of the market and steal some bragging rights from the competition.

What does this mean for Google?

It means that they are one step close to taking over the world. No, not quite- but it does mean that they are challenging the efforts of Apple and Amazon. Although this is a risky move, I am pretty sure that Google can afford it. After all they just reported a 33% increase in revenues over the last quarter- amounting to nearly $10 billion.

What are the plans?

Google is smart. They just wont release any old mp3 playing music software. The key word to Google’s plan is ‘cloud’. For $24.99 per year, users are able upload their existing music libraries into the ‘cloud’ allowing them instant access to their music regardless location. Users will also be able to download songs at a maximum price of .99 cents, which undercuts Itunes ‘popular’ song list by $.25.

So what? Amazon does the same thing!

Yes, that’s correct. Amazon has been offering a very similar service since March of this year. So what separates Google and Amazon apart? Not all that much. In fact many people are arguing that Amazon is the better deal due to the $4 cheaper price tag. Although this may be true, Google isn’t concerned; mainly due to the fact that users will be able to link their existing gmail (and all other Google based accounts) to the service. It is also speculated that Google is going to leverage their social media platform Google+ in order to promote and entice consumers to this new music service.

Google keeps getting BIGGER and BIGGER and BIGGER!

Will they ever stop!? Not likely. Google has gained massive ground within the last five years. They have acquired over 70 businesses bringing their total acquisitions to 104; their most expensive purchase being Motorola Mobility for over $12 billion. Google has also ventured into the sectors of green transportation, biotechnology, music education and online legal services.

I think that it is really exciting to watch Google grow. As a student with high aspirations of entering into the world of business I look at a company such as Google and think “What can I do that they’re not?” Although competing with Google may seem like a difficult feat it is not impossible.

Just remember: “You can accomplish anything if you set your mind to it”

-       -Tim

Sales Management Tips from OCMC Coach

Earlier this week I sat down with professor and OCMC coach Will Mlacak to discuss the key concepts of sales management. With over twenty years in sales management Will has worked within managerial positions in many different industries, some of which include:  food products, food services, consumer packaged goods and industrial products. Will joined the Humber Business School in 2002 with the goal of assisting students through their educational journey by sharing his experiences. This post focuses on three key areas that Will believes to be absolutely essential for successful sales management.  

Tip 1- Cover the Fundamentals - 
"The five fundamentals are the core of sales management"

Every sales decision should be well thought through and carefully structured. Here are five specific areas that will help build a solid sales management foundation:

·      Planning: Before you start, develop an overall game plan. This is where you establish goals, policies and procedures that will help reach a firm’s overall objectives.

·      Staffing: A firm can only be as good as the people it hires. Look for passionate and dedicated employees who openly share their thoughts and opinions.

·      Training: Be sure to train employees both internally and externally. Develop sound methods on how, where and when to train employees.

·      Directing: This deals with organizing and leading employees positively and persuasively. The key focus here is motivation and compensation.

·      Evaluating: Focus on comparing actual performance with objectives and taking appropriate corrective actions.

Tip 2- Communication is essential -"Without effective communication nothing can be accomplished”

Will says that one of the most important areas of concentration is communication. “It’s not about knowing how to speak, it’s about knowing how to listen.” Will strongly emphasizes the importance of listening to what employees and customers have to say. Will suggests that every business should, “establish a private platform for people to talk,” which will also help ensure everyone is on the same page.  

Tip 3- Cultivate Relationships - “Know people's background and what motivates them”

Will stressed the significance of knowing a little about each employee’s background and personal situation – as offering a sales incentive for a two night stay at a high-end hotel to a sales person with a spouse and children is quite meaningless. If you get to know each employee on a personal level this helps find ways to directly motivate and inspire them.

Relationships also extend into the customer realm. Make an effort to understand what customers want out of a relationship. Quarterly meetings, company tours and fundraising events are all good ways to determine this on a professional level.

Put it to the test!

Although no two situations are alike, remembering and utilizing these tips in an effective manner will assist you throughout your career and OCMC journey. Make sure you have the fundamentals in place and then build on this with effective communication and strong relationship-building practices. These are the building blocks of sales management.

A very special “thank you” to Will Mlacak for talking the time to share his insights and experiences with us. He wishes all participants the very best at the competition.

Thank you for reading. Please feel free comment and share your thoughts and opinions!

- Tim 

Presentation Tips for Students

Your hands are trebling, your voice is shaky. You’re nervous, but there isn’t any turning back. Every OCMC student has experienced a moment such as this. It may have been during the tryout case analysis and elevator speech, or maybe it was the first in class presentation. Either way, public speaking and delivering effective presentations should be a key focus for all OCMC participants.

In this blog I am going to highlight some of best tips and tricks in regards to not only surviving through your next presentation, but to help you feel comfortable and to actually enjoy it!

I can only relate this blog to my personal experiences. Like most other business students, I have completed countless presentations and speaking engagements. I have also attended a few seminars and networking events regarding personal communications. With every presentation I am learning and improving my own skills. I still get nervous and jittery but it gets easier every time. Just as it will for you.

Tip #1- Know your material

Choosing a topic that you are comfortable and interested in would be ideal. Sadly, it rarely works out that way. There is nothing worse than watching a presentation in which the presenter is bored or simply doesn’t care about the topic. Even if you get stuck talking about Tupperware, find a way to relate it into your personal experiences (talk about that time your mom threw the neighbourhoods biggest plastic party- I’m sure you remember it).

Tip #2- Everyone else has to do it as well- they’re rooting for you

Chances are you’re not alone. If you are an OCMC participant you understand that presentations are the core of the competition. Everyone (to some extent) will be nervous. The process may be gruelling but it is a learning experience. Ask other participants and coaches for feedback, get them to note every time you say “Um”. Remember, we are all a part of a team. Working together is what will bring success.

Tip #4- Don’t apologize

In my opinion one of the worst things to do during a presentation is to stop and apologize for problems or mistakes. Not only does it stop the flow of the presentation but it also makes everyone focus on you even more. The audience anticipants the next fumble, it may make you feel even worse and more nervous. In most cases nobody will even notice if you messed up, you are the only one that cares.

Tip #4- Relax

Many people, including myself get too worked up; we panic and forget why we are even standing up at the front of the class. Take a deep breath, calm yourself down and close your eyes. Nerves are good, but too much can be detrimental. Your main goal is keep cool. Take as long as you need and remember that everything will be okay.

Tip #5- Be aware of speed, tone and body language

Once you know you are comfortable with the material, the next thing to focus on is conducting the actual presentation. Just because you are able to understand yourself doesn’t mean that everyone else is comprehending what you are saying. The key is to talk in a slow, calm and relaxed manner; however, this is difficult as you still need to project your voice in a engaging and exciting manner in order to maintain the audiences attention.

When you are presenting, you’re not the only one talking. Body language accounts for a large portion of the ‘conversation’, be confident and open. Be aware of posture and hand gestures as excessive movements may be distracting for your audience. Lastly, remember to smile; after all its contagious.

Now you are READY!

I hope that many OCMC students will be able to find this blog helpful. Most of the concepts are fairly ‘elementary’ in nature; however they tend to be the most overlooked. Please feel free to comment if you have any further tips and tricks to help overcome presentation nerves.

Remember to…

PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE

- Tim

Helpful applications for students success

Momentum is steadily building as students from all across Ontario are preparing for the Ontario College Marketing Competition this November. Case studies, presentations and group building activities have become the everyday norm. Participation within the competition is slowly fusing itself into our everyday lives- we eat, sleep and breath OCMC. This blog will outline key mobile and web applications to assist personal productivity and management levels within the participant’s lives.

In today’s environment students are busier than ever- On average a Canadian student spends approximately twenty-hours a week within a classroom setting; not to mention that many of us hold part time jobs in order to supplement the rising education costs. Add in homework, studying and leisure time and when all combined, it becomes more than an average fulltime job.

Although it was challenging, my first year in college was fairly ‘calm’. Throughout the summer, I was crossing my fingers hoping that my second year classes would be much the same; however, I knew that the odds were not in my favor. I decided to consult my trustworthy friend Google, and after a quick search I found a variety of web and mobile applications to assist with productivity and personal management.

Although the work is challenging it is fun, engaging and rewarding. I hope that some of the other OCMC participants will be able to find the following applications as useful as I have.

Please feel free to comment- we want to hear your thoughts!

1. Evernote (FREE)  www.evernote.com

Evernote’s slogan is “Remember Everything”, and this application certainly lives up to that bold statement. Evernote allows users to take notes (voice and text), record audio, take pictures, save websites, collaborate on projects, share documents and presentations and much more. The best part is that everything is automatically synced with your smartphone, computer, and an online database (extra fee for online capabilities); no matter where you are all of your information is readily available.

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2. iStudiez Pro ($2.99) www.istudentpro.com

Don’t let the grammatically incorrect name fool you, this application is an organizational mecca. It keeps track of your entire class schedule, assignments, homework and grades. The interactive calendar provides you with a detailed outline showing all of the events for that day. Students are able to attach assignments to each course which automatically sets due date reminders. Everything is color coded, so it is nice and easy to read. This is an essential application for every busy student.

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3. Dropbox (FREE) www.dropbox.com

Dropbox is amazing. That’s it. I guarantee that once you try it, you will be hooked. All of your documents, pictures, files, music and videos are easily accessible anywhere you are. Dropbox automatically syncs and updates all of your files (through multiple devices) instantly. What if you lose your computer or smartphone? No problem. You can access all of your files from the Dropbox website. This application will definitely save you.

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4. Google Docs  (FREE) www.docs.google.com

Google docs should become your best friend, especially when it comes to group work and collaboration. It allows users to create and edit documents online while collaborating with real-time with users. All of your documents are always available and can be accessed by multiple users at the same time. Google Docs even keeps track of the individual users work with a unique color-coding technique. Become familiar with this application, you will be glad you did.

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5.  BigWords (FREE)   www.bigwords.com

BigWords is a search engine for the cheapest textbook prices anywhere on the internet. It compares prices to ensure that you get the best deal. No more standing in line, no more ripped pages, and no more misplacing your books right before mid-terms. Everything is online and easily available.  In short, you will save money using with application!

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-Over time, technology has been intergraded into nearly every aspect of our lives. A few key companies have defined technology as we know it today. On October 5, 2011 the world lost the technological icon Steve Jobs. With the introduction of the first Apple computer in 1976 Steve revolutionized personal computing. Other companies were able put computers onto desks; Steve put a computer into everyone’s pocket. Although he is gone, he will never be forgotten. On behalf of Humber College our thoughts go out to his friends and family. 

May he rest in peace.

-Tim Hendry