All posts by mrodgers8

Blog #11: Personal Branding Situation and the way technology is continuously changing us

November 21, 2014 mrodgers8 2 Comments

The workplace is changing every single year. But lets take a look at how the workplace was ten years ago…

We barely used technology (i.e. iphones, computers, ipads, powerpoints, prezis, webinars, emails) ten years ago. It was more face to face communication than ever. Take a look at the baby boomers compared to Generation X (Ashe-Edmunds). Generation X takes more advantage in technology nowadays than the baby boomers. The reason? The world is changing, the workplace is changing fast everyday. Generation X grasps social media faster than baby boomers. For example, on you resume you could have social media skills listed as your top priority because your just that great at it. Furthermore, imagine the forty five year old you are completing against to gain that job. You realize that you must have more social media skills than “this guy” over there. You have the advantage in the company because you are up to date on tech “stuff”. But is this fair? I think not.

Forty five year olds should have the same chance as a graduate fresh out of college. I feel that employees should level the playing field for everyone, meaning, that social media should be taught upon on when hired. Not everyone has supreme social media skills, it is a taught skilled.

On the other hand, how is the workplace changing? Have we gotten lazy enough to rely on technology most of the time? In Sam Ashe-Edmunds article, he talks about how companies use telecommuting and technology use has affected people’s lives and will continue until we do not even have to attend work pretty soon. Telecommuting has a been a hot commodity for a while. We use it to work from home, or to attend meetings. Look at how technology has changed for employers. Not too long ago…we use to have blackberries. Remember those? Now, most companies have Iphones or Samsung phones for their employees because it provides more functionality than the blackberry did.

courtesy of: http://www.desummarize.com/apples-oranges-workplace/

So, how do employers view you based on how you dress? Many companies have different stand points on this. For example, Adult Swim require that you do not dress up everyday. You can wear casual clothes to work because you are expressing yourself, your everyday wear. Now, if you worked at a law company or a government building, then your clothes would be different. You would look much like the people above in the picture. But what else do you see in the picture? Are most of them attractive? The answer is yes because most employers view you based on looks. Its true folks. It is like a bad case of whos hot or not in high school. The more attractive someone is (especially woman) than the more likely that other clients will buy into that person and invest in the company. Not fair? I totally agree with you.

So, what else do you see in this picture? You can respond in the comments below.

Source

Ashe-Edmunds, Sam. “How has the workplace changed?” 21 Nov, 2014. Web. <http://work.chron.com/workplace-changed-12823.html>

tl;dr

Blog #9: Communication “A Full Time Job”

October 29, 2014 mrodgers8 2 Comments

When is too much….too much? In this day and age, technology has basically overruled our lives. Sometimes it feels like a full time job when responding back to everyday messages on multiple devices. When was the last time you had a quiet dinner with your family without cell phones ringing or the television blaring in the background? How many devices do you have to check Facebook or Twitter on? If I had to guess, then it would be about three to four devices. So, how does this relate to communication overload?

Imagine reading a email sent from your boss with information stating what he wants in a new memo for you to write about for the next big project coming up. Along with that, he wants you to research the company’s Facebook and Twitter accounts for information to be updated as well. On top of that, you get an email CC’d with your name on it from your coworkers about the upcoming project that the boss wants and what information they should be researching. Feel overwhelmed yet? Also lets consider, that this is ongoing all day with emails going back to back plus phone calls and texts. Take a big breath!!! Theres a solution.

Responsibility. I bet you going huh?? How does that relate to the problem? Lets define it deeper….

“Look at the word responsibility – “response–ability” – the ability to choose your response” (Glei 2014).

Get the picture now? It is your ability to choose your response when it comes down to emails, texts, and/or calls. It is your responsibility to how much you retain, but it also depends on the content creator. Going back to the above example….”Does the email contain information important to you?” Lets say you got a email that is five paragraphs long from a coworker. Are you really going to read all that? Probably not when you have other projects going on. You pick and choose what is important throughout the email and write back on what you retained.

In the article “Stop the Insanity: How to Crush Communication Overload”, Glei writes four steps that can crush communication. Its a matter of information retained from a single source. I find it fascinating on how communication and technology affects us. globally. Almost everyone communicates on two or more devices. I am guilty of that. I use my iPhone and iPad to communicate through texts that are sent to either one. I also get my news from Facebook than a regular newspaper. It has really grown on this generation, and we have really forgotten on how to communicate with one another face to face. Think of communication as a full time job….but without pay, your basically doing it for free.

Sources Cited

Image used: https://www.google.com/search?q=communication+overload&rlz=1C5CHFA_enUS503US503&espv=2&biw=1422&bih=683&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=gw1RVIPvJ4GfgwT_iIPYAw&ved=0CAYQ_AUoAQ&dpr=0.9#facrc=_&imgdii=_&imgrc=GikErQ1rkciDJM%253A%3BiN7FHuPuS9_k8M%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fobelisk.si%252Fwp-content%252Fuploads%252F2010%252F07%252Foverload_s.jpg%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fobelisk.si%252Fblog%252Farchives%252F137%3B450%3B267

Glei, Jocelyn K. “Stop the Insanity: How to Crush Communication Overload.” 29 Oct 2014. Web <http://99u.com/articles/7002/stop-the-insanity-how-to-crush-communication-overload>

Audience Resistance

Blog #7: Are you reading me??

October 13, 2014 mrodgers8 4 Comments

As I think about all the direction signs I have seen, it made me wonder who really pays attention to all of them. Do you really pay attention to them while driving? Especially the ones that are overhead on the highways warning you about “texting and driving” or “7-10 minutes on I-75/85”? I know that I do not, and that it takes about a second for me to glance and keep going. The same goes for instruction manuals. Have you thoroughly read one lately? When I look over one, all I see are a bunch of words. It is very difficult for me to follow one for “setting up a computer”.

The most likely person to read instructions step-by-step would be women. Women tend to like step-by-step processes rather than men. From my previous experiences, I usually tend to read something first before setting it up. However, when my fiancé tries to set something up, most likely he did not read. It also reflects different cultures as well. For Americans, about half of us will read signs or instructions. For Asian-Americans or Hispanic-Americans, we see signs misinterpret because of their culture.

Now onto the good stuff! So why are signs or instructions never read?? Here are some pointers:

fear of looking foolish
fear of being taken advantage of
fear of failure
and fear of losing image

(source:Hibbard 2014)

It’s just the way humans are. For example, I misjudge instructions given to me at work. I tend to figure it out before reading it carefully or asking a manager about it. It is just the way I am. Heres another example: how to set up your PS4. My PS4 came with two instruction manual. One was a simple version, giving you one worded sentences per number. The second one was a booklet on how to set it up. Which one did you think I picked?? If you guessed simple version, then you are correct! It is a dilemma between reading or figuring out what you are doing. I would rather read first before figuring it out. What about you? Overall, the way that information is distributed out to people is a matter of reading and understanding what he or she is doing. Take the time to read!

Source cited

Hibbard, Catherine. Addressing resistance to change in policy and procedure writing.http://cypressmedia.net/articles/article/28/addressing_resistance_to_change_in_policy_and_procedure_writing

Project and Role Selection

Statement of Interest for Service Project

September 28, 2014 mrodgers8 Leave a comment

My name is Mindy Rodgers, and my major is Public Relations with a minor in English. I believe I would be best suited for Project Manager and/or Copywriter, or Researcher positions. I have experience in management from previous jobs and previous group work at school. I have two jobs and a child but I make time for group projects. I am available by phone, or I respond to my email quickly. (when possible). Although I cannot not always meet on campus (I live in Duluth), I am always available by email/phone. I am also interested in the Our House project because it relates to my situation and it would be interesting to do research/present on. Based on my experiences, I would make a perfect fit for Project Manager, Copywriter, or Researcher positions. Thank you.

Audiences and Literacy

Blog #4: To read or not to read

September 21, 2014 mrodgers8 1 Comment

“The National Center for Educational Statistics defines literacy as the ability to use printed information to function in society, increase knowledge and achieve goals” (Sessoms 2013). Who can really summarize how and what Americans know? How much information can we retain?

Literacy, another name for “reading”, is a most common skill among Americans in the working class. It gives you a step higher than most people who do not have literacy skills. In my opinion, literacy also goes along with multitasking. We need literacy in order to function at work and/or school. A great example is the ability to read an email, or the ability to read a letter from an employer/employee.

Nowadays, technology has risen steadily in the past decade. With that saying, employers have a great use for employees with literacy skills on the computer. The ability to read and type fast. Moreover, I think literacy is a skill that everyone needs. Almost everything is an item to be read. Almost everything has instructions on how to do this or how to not do this. I think it is a really important skill to touch on.

Sources Cited

Sessoms, Gail. (2013). Effects of illiteracy on business. Chron. http://smallbusiness.chron.com/effects-illiteracy-business-22898.html

Beyond the Resume

Blog Project 3: Traditional resumes “dying” in 2014?

September 14, 2014 mrodgers8 Leave a comment

Nowadays, there are numerous careers that can search your name with just one click. It gives them access to your personal Facebook, twitter, and Instagram accounts without your consent. Still regret that bikini photo in Destin, Florida yet? We all know the saying “whatever you delate will remain forever on the web” giving employers access to information on just one person. So, how does it relate to traditional resumes? The differences between traditional and non traditional differ on peoples’ views. I know from personal experiences that some jobs still require traditional resumes, on top of, your non traditional one. The persons’ personality reflects their resume. Moreover, the question arises with “are traditional resumes dying in 2014 and beyond?”

Lets dive right into a traditional bland resume…

Obviously, John Doe is applying for a business, law, or medical field right? This resume lacks creativity, but it creates a sense of easiness on the employer (i.e. business, law, or medical) viewing the document. Now lets say that I am a Public Relations director looking for a position based on creativity and social media skills, would John Doe land the job based on the skills I need? The answer would be no. His resume lacks color, and his resume has too many words for a Public Relations director to read.

Lets dive into a creative resume…

Obviously, Eric Gandhi is applying to Google (Laya 2011). Are you wondering if he landed the job? Of course he did! His resume shows creativity and technology skills that Google needs. He created a resume based on Google’s layout, and he linked it through Google search engine. See the difference between the two resumes?

On the other hand, how does traditional resumes reflect 2014 today? Do you use Microsoft word for resume creation? Or do you use creativity in making a resume online? Some people prefer both in using paper and LinkedIn (being the most popular among companies). Here are some examples of online resumes:

Video resumes
Visual CV
Social resume
Linkedln Proflie
Personal Websites

(Source: Lauby 2010)

In my opinion, your resume should reflect your personality and career preferences. Your career choice being number one. I’ll give you an example on career choice based on my degree. My dream job is to work at Turner Broadcasting for Adult Swim (TV program that appears on Cartoon Network late at night for 18 and older audiences). Based on recent interactions with employees who work in that field, your resume should be very creative. Meaning, that a resume should stand out among the bunch in black and white. I’ve heard stories of the HR department receiving beers with a person’s resume on it, or receiving pizza with a resume on the box. Its the concept of “making yourself stand out among the rest. ” This particular department is also based on the concept on “being yourself”.

Moreover, what are your opinions? Are traditional resumes dying out? Has the new age taken over traditional resume with online ones? Would you prefer an employer looking at your Facebook page vs. your LinkedIn page? Everyone has mixed answers on the subject. “So, to use boxing parlance, it feels to me like the traditional resume is “on the ropes,” down if not yet out. Bleeding badly from a cut above the eye. In a weakened diminished state. Going into the 12th round, which would you bet on: large amounts of social media data or “two pages of crafty wording”?” (Lipman 2013).

Sources Cited:

Lipman, Victor. (2013, June 22). Is the traditional resume dying?. Retrieved from http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/mind-the-manager/201306/is-the-traditional-resume-dying

Lauby, Sharlyn. (2010, Oct 05). 4 digital alternatives to the traditional resume. Retrieved from http://mashable.com/2010/10/05/digital-resumes/

Laya, Patricia. (2011, June 11). 13 insanely cool resumes that landed interviews at Google and other top jobs. Retrieved from http://www.businessinsider.com/insanely-creative-resumes-2011-6

Unknown Author. (2014, Sep 14). How far is too far when designing creative resumes. Retrieved from http://inspirationhut.net/articles/how-far-is-too-far-when-designing-creative-resumes/ Resume 1 photo.

Blogging and Social Media in the Workplace

Blog Post #1: Right or Wrong for Social Media use in the Corporate World

August 29, 2014 mrodgers8 3 Comments

We have all heard, seen, or use it. Facebook, Twitter, Linkedln, Instagram, Google, YouTube, WordPress, Wix.com, and MySpace are a few of among many social media sites named. The question is…is it fair game for employers to access employee’s blogs or social media sites? Is it fair game for employee’s to post about whatever is on their mind in the current workplace?

The answers to the questions above are still in debate. Some employers use blogs and/or social media sites to help incorporate their business or company. Like for say… Fortune 500 companies. Do consumers rely heavier on what Fortune 500 companies have to post via blogs or social media? Yes, we do from a consumer standpoint. Given the facts, according to Amanda Dodge, about 34% of Fortune 500 companies have corporate blogs. For social media, ” 77% of companies use Twitter, 70% use Facebook, and 69% use YouTube” (Dodge 2013). It gives a chance towards consumers to see what the current status of some companies are up to, plus new products being produced. It also gives a chance for employee’s to test what they cannot or can say in blogs or social media site. For example, “you can’t rely on the first amendment” (Guerin 2014). Many employee’s are mistaken by first amendment rights, according to Lisa Guerin. We, employees, believe that the first amendment protects our free speech. However, it protects our free speech from the government not private employers (Guerin 2014). Therefore, employees are misguided in information and blog postings when it comes to employers. In addition, there are ways on the do’s and dont’s of corporate blogging and social media. Let’s go back to the basic facts:

Do not harass or criticize your coworkers (though it may be amusing to other peers, it will not be so amusing to the employer reading).
Do not post anything racist or sexist (the same thought applies from above).
Never reveal companies trade secrets, a huge NO NO.
Do not vent in blogs about workplace problems unless you solve them out directly with that coworker first.
Blog anonymously or restrict user visibility.
All points cited by Guerin 2014.

Getting the picture?? On the other hand, Dan Pontefract points out interesting details on how social media is moving backwards in the workplace. He converses about how companies are more involved with the digital age, in which he also discusses about how companies are limiting the use of personal accounts of employees. “In nearly all the jurisdictions, an employer is permitted to prohibit the use of social media sites during work, both on equipment provided by the employer and on the employee’s own devices” (Pontefract 2014). So, what does this mean exactly? Lets break it down…

Your own device can be blocked from certain social sites like Facebook or Twitter.
Employer does not a right to access what shows on your monitor, but has right to block it.
If connected to company wifi, than employer has right to block certain sites.
All points cited by Pontefract 2014.

It gives a whole new meaning to the social media and blogging work status for employers and employees alike in 2014. So, going back to the questions in the beginning…do employers or employees have a right? The answer is yes and no. Yes, to employers limiting our social media and yes, to employers deciding on what an employee should post or not. No, to employees posting whatever they want and make it seem right in the work place and no, to employees speaking their minds when it comes in terms to social media and blogging. In conclusion, employers and employees must watch (and monitor) social media sites. Either way, we could all be at fault on the web.

Sources cited:

Dodge, Amanda. (2013). More than one-third of Fortune 500 companies have blogs. CopyPressed.http://www.copypress.com/blog/more-than-one-third-of-fortune-500-companies-have-blogs/

Guerin, Lisa. (n.d.). Fired for blogging: Learn whether employees can be fired for what they write in a blog, MySpace, or Facebook page. NOLO: Law for All. http://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/fired-blogging-29762.html

Pontefract, Dan. (2014). Social Media in the Workplace is Going Backwards. Huff Post Business. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dan-pontefract/social-media-in-the-workp_1_b_5270543.html

Technical Communication Fall 2014