December: Extra Blog Post

For this month, I have to be honest and say I didn't do a lot to progress my senior project. For the past two weeks I have not gone to mentorship, due to prior responsibilities. I do however plan on going this Friday and Monday. Seeing as mentorship hours will be counted soon, I deem it necessary to have as many done as possible. Besides the lack of hours, I thoroughly enjoy going to mentorship and assisting Amy. I can tell that she really cares about me succeeding in my senior year, and gives me a lot of insight about the business. She often invites me to events she sets up for The Village, and her customers so I can gain more knowledge about running a business. The reason she likes to invite me to these events is because she says I can see what the business is about besides what she does in the store. These events range from Girls Night, where customers can come together and have a couple drinks while making crafts and during that she provides discounts, or a simple holiday party. I am glad Amy gave me the chance  to work with her, and I look forward to whatever more I can learn from her.

November Extra Blog Post

      This month was very busy for me considering I went in to help my mentor twice or three times a week for 3 hours each visit. I have decided that I will continue with this routine, since I thoroughly enjoy working with Amy and I feel that I can assist her plenty. Most of the work I did was unpacking new items and tagging them to the boutiques set price. Amy explained to me that each time she gets in a new order before she does anything else, she makes sure she has what she ordered and that nothing is missing or ruined, because once you open a package it is now your responsibility. There was an incident where an order of about 50 leggings had come in and after I unpacked and tagged them all, there was still one missing. Of course this is a problem that needs to be solved, so we recounted the pair of leggings 4 times, went through the dressing rooms, and checked the trash, until she realized she had sold a pair earlier in the day but she never inputted it into the system. This is why she tells me it is very important to always keep track of your merchandise so mistakes like that don't happen.

       Business is going very well for her; every time I go in to help there is always plenty of customers. Especially with the holidays, everybody is doing their shopping and I can see why they would be shopping at Maple. Amy has recently organized a boutique Christmas event where about 14 boutiques that she rounded up get together and have a huge event where customers can get discounts and lots of fun activities will be set up. She has invited me to come to the event and help with the production of the event which I am very excited for. I feel as if I only get to see one side of the store, but this can expand my view of what else the store is about and involved in, So far, I really enjoy her presence and everything that she has taught me. I only look forward to spending more days with her where I can learn from her experience and wisdom in the business. 

Blog 10: EQ

1.  Review this.  Confirm by stating "I reviewed the rule of three for writing an EQ."
I reviewed the rule of three for writing an EQ

2.
 a.  What is the most important factor in healthy weight loss?
This EQ follows the rule of three because health and fitness is met in a plethora of ways which means there is several standpoints on how to answer this question. This question gives a huge window to research and can be based on opinion as well, meaning it is not a yes or no answer. 
 b.  What is most important to securing a conviction in a criminal investigation?
I do not believe this is a good EQ because I feel as if this can be answered with a single fact. It sounds as if there is a list of answers that can be chosen and there is only one right one to pick. 
 c.  What is most important in creating a hairstyle that best satisfies a customer?
This question kind of confused me. I think if it confused me it can confuse somebody else as well. Perhaps if the wording were less funky, it would make for a better EQ. 
 d.  How can an anesthesiologist best treat chronic pain?
Like the first one, this EQ meets the rule of three, The was it is worded makes it easy to understand and even though I am no expert, I'm sure there is more than one answer to this question.

3. What is the best way to managing a business into success?

Lesson 1 Reflection

1. Positive StatementWhat are you most proud of in your Lesson 1 Presentation and why?
What I'm most proud of is that I managed to get everything I had to say in under 10 minutes. The funny thing is, at first I felt as if I didn't have enough content because when I timed myself I wasn't making time. I decided to go ahead and add more to my lecture so my presentation could be more informational. When I timed myself once again, I realized what I had originally wrote was taking more time than I thought; I was going more and more into detail when I was practicing. This is the reason I was so nervous to present, because I either talk to fast or talk to much. Luckily I calmed myself down and made it to the 10 minute mark.
2. Questions to Consider
       a.     What assessment would you give yourself on your Lesson 1 Presentation (self-assessment)?       AE       P          AP       CR       NC       b.     Explain why you deserve that grade using evidence from the Lesson 1 component contract.
I would give myself a definite solid P. When going over the contract I found myself meeting all the criteria for a P consideration. I'm a fairly decent presenter, so I feel I had good volume and interaction with the audience although I do feel I could have done better in this category. My research was well spoken about and it was also backed up by citing three articles. Not to mention that my hook and reference with my mentor/interview was also included while I was presenting. I do feel as if I could have done better, but what I presented was what was required according to the contract.

3. What worked for you in your Lesson 1?
What worked for me in Lesson 1 was that I had enough research done from research check in order to present something from my topic to the class that could be easily understood. My research/lecture content is what really "made" my presentation, considering my presentation skills slacked a bit for this lesson. When I was presenting it didn't feel like I was doing just that, it felt like I was talking to a group of friends what I was interested in. I think that helped me calm down throughout the presentation, because I was freaking out right before I was called up to go.
4.  (What didn't work) If you had a time machine, what would you have done differently to improve your Lesson 1?
Like I touched on in the previous question, if I could have improved on my presentation skills I would have. I felt really nervous that I would easily lose track of what I wanted to say, so I started shaking a bit and tripping over my words. For the next lesson I will most definitely memorize my content a lot better, and practice more before my actual presentation. Since this was also the senior's first "major" thing for senior project I feel this is why most of us were a little jittery. In the future we now know a little bit more what to expect, so it won't be as gut-wrenching. 

Mentorship going great!

  

Display of some of the new fall clothes in the boutique 

    Last week was the first time I met up with my mentor to help out with her store. She had me unpack all the new shipments of clothes that came in, as she inputted them into the system to make sure they can be tracked correctly. After I hung all the clothes on a rack she had set out, I steamed each garment to rid them of any wrinkles and unflattering lines. This was probably the worst task for me to have done because I like to get things done quickly, and you can't exactly do that with a steamer since you will be bound to get burned, which I did about 5 times. Luckily, I wasn't hurt very badly so I went on to tagging each item with the price she set them as in her store. It took me a couple attempts but I finally got the hang of it and did pretty well for my first time. Once that was completed, Amy trusted me with her life to run to the bank and get change for some hundred dollars. I was honored that she trusted me with her money, but I can't lie, I was a bit nervous. I knew nothing wrong would happen, but there's always that worry when you have to do something important. Everything went perfectly fine at the bank and I returned with all her money and a smile on my face.
    All the tasks she gave me to do were completed and I was shocked to find out that I had been there for over 2 and a half hours! I was surprised to have had that much fun doing mentorship, and I'm definitely excited to keep working with her. I admire how passionate she is towards her store and what she does. Although she is always busy I can see how dedicated she is, and I greatly appreciate that regardless of her busy schedule she agreed to help me for my project.

Blog 8: Research and Working EQ

1.  What is your working EQ?

What is the best way to successfully manage a business?

2.  What is a possible answer to your working EQ? Please write the answer in thesis format.

One way to successfully manage a business is to take business management courses specifically designed to educate you on how to finance, keep records, and properly hire staff. This will ultimately become a big part in your job, especially learning how to manage the business's money and profits. 

3.  What is the most important source you have used that has helped you come up with an answer to your working EQ?

The best source that I have come across so far is the book I have been reading in research check called "Business Without The Bullsh*t". I appreciate all the information the author packed into this book which is written in complete honesty. The information ranges from how to be a better boss to how to deal with crappy bosses and employees. It articulates how well you have to be educated about financing in order for your business to succeed.

4.  Who is your mentor, or where are you doing mentorship, and how does what you are doing relate to your working EQ?

My mentor's name is Amy. She is the owner of a small clothing boutique in downtown Claremont. Working with her allows me to observe what she and her employees do in order to keep her business up and running. Since Any is the manager and owner, I can receive insight on what it is she does on both ends to ensure success for herself and the business.

Blog 7: Independent Component 1 Approval

1.  Describe in detail what you plan to do for your 30 hours.

    My plan for Independent Component 1, was actually suggested by Mr. Piggott. My topic is Business Management, more specifically, managing a boutique. My vision for Independent Component 1 would be to set up my own online boutique. This online boutique would sell clothes that others may have outgrown, or may not like anymore. The person who is selling their item(s) will of course, receive money if somebody decides to purchase what they are selling. Pictures will be posted of what the clothing/accessory item is and who is the owner. People will send me information on the product they are interested to buy, and will be sold from me. Since the selling will be done through my online boutique, I would also be making some profit off of it. Hence, running my own business. I would like to go around to each Senior class, and perhaps even the lower grades to ask if any students would like to sell their unwanted clothes through my boutique. Since this is my first time creating a business of any kind, I would keep it very small, limiting the customers to I-Poly students. This will make the business easier to run and customers easier to track. 

2.  Discuss how or what you will do to meet the expectation of showing 30 hours of evidence.

    Creating a website, moreover, creating a website that functions properly and how I want it to function will definitely take most of the 30 hours. The rest of the time will be met through managing the website and business I created. The website will be constantly running, as will the business and keeping track of clothes, customers and money will be very time consuming. I would like to also speak to my mentor as to how she runs her website to I can gain more knowledge on how to run business professionally online. This will count as extra hours with my mentor, adding to make the total amount of 30 hours. 

3.  And explain how what you will be doing will help you explore your topic in more depth.

    Managing my own mini-business will definitely give me more insight on how business management works. Although I will learn a lot through observing how my mentor runs her business,  I feel if I get first hand experience it will help me realize what work goes into a functioning business. My mentor previously said to me that besides her boutique, she takes orders and delivers them to her customers who may find her store a bit far. This is basically what I will be doing, except on a website. If she provides me with information on how she does just that, it will advance my learning on managing a business not only in stores, but what work goes into managing it outside of the store. 

Finally found a mentor!

        After searching high and low for a mentor, I finally found a wonderful person who is willing to help me out through the year. Her name is Amy and she owns a boutique called Maple in the city of Claremont. I previously had a person who I felt would be willing to be my permanent mentor, but the truth is I never locked it in because I wasn't very interested in working with him. My previous "mentor" was in business management, but he managed manufactured houses. I wasn't TOTALLY against the idea of managing houses, but I was sure not jumping over the moon for it. Although he is a great person and professional at what he does, it wasn't the field I wanted to be working in. Stress was kicking in because I was worried I wouldn't find anybody willing to be my mentor and I'd have to be stuck with somebody I didn't exactly want to work with. I want my senior project to be a joyous learning experience, and not a mundane project where I don't enjoy my topic and mentor. 

     When I finally found Amy about a week ago, I felt like a huge weight was lifted off my shoulder. I was relived to know I didn't have to worry about finding a certain mentor, and I could focus on the bigger aspects of the project. 

      Today I had the opportunity to meet up with Amy to interview her for my second interview. I see how passionate she is about her job and it makes me excited to continue mentoring with her to explore my topic. Business management is definitely something I would like to pursue and it makes it one hundred times better that is in the fashion industry since clothing is one of my biggest passions. I'm excited to learn loads from Amy; she is a very professional and lovely lady that will guide me in this years long project. 

Blog 6: Second Interview Preparation

1.  Who is your mentor and where do they work?

My mentor is Scott Bessire. He works at Bessire and Casenhiser where his dad is the CEO of the company. 

2.  What five questions will you ask them about their background?

• What is the best and worst thing about working in business management?
• How did you figure out this is what you wanted your career to be?
• Do you have to work with others often? If so, is it difficult to do so?
• What have you learned in business management that has benefited you the most?
• How do you diffuse a difficult situation with employees?

Blog 5- Mentorship Reflection

1. Mentorship question: Describe your experience in how you found your mentorship?  If you haven't found one yet, describe your experience so far in the search of a mentor.

I found my mentor through my dad who is in the real estate business. My mentor happens to be a family friend whose dad is the CEO of a manufactured housing company. My mentor works for his dad and is an expert in business management. Although business management is what I'm passionate for, I would like to try and find somebody who does business management perhaps in the clothing business, since this is what I would like to do in the near future. I talked to my house teacher and he said it would be better if I can find somebody in this field, seeing that I want to be as interested as possible in my topic. One of my peers may know somebody, and is currently trying to contact somebody who might be able to help me. From my experience so far, it isn't the easiest thing getting a mentor. Not everybody wants to dedicate their time to help a student out because they are already so consumed with work, but I have hope that I will find somebody in the field I really want. 

2. Research question: What has been your most important article you have read so far and why?

The most important article I have read so far is "Management Be Nimble" by Adam Bryant. The reason is because I feel this article has been the most helpful when talking about what makes a successful business manager. It gives advice on how to properly treat employees and work together as a team rather than staff. Other articles I have read have helped too, but most of the other articles I have read have been interviews, where as this article is written in 1st person from an expert in business. I also enjoy how "Management Be Nimble" is broken up into different sections because it makes it easier to follow along and get the right ideas. Today I picked up a book from the library called "Business Without The Bullsh*t" that I feel will come very much in handy with my senior project. Not only is the title amusing, but it has gotten good reviews which is always a plus!

Research Check Is Coming In Handy

This is the second week the Senior class has had a research check and even though it is a little bit tedious, I was surprised to find how much information I got in the hour and a half of reading and taking notes. I now understand why we are required to have research check; the senior teachers want us to have a wide knowledge on our topic so we are well informed by the end of the year. As much as articles are great to get information off of, I'm looking forward to going to the library next week. I heard from peers that it was very helpful for them to be assisted by the Cal Poly librarians to find good books to gain information from on their topic. Until then, I will thoroughly enjoy our day off on Monday and continue the school week Tuesday.

Blog 4: Interview Preparation

1.  Who do you plan to interview?  Why?

I plan to interview one of the leaders at a housing management company. I feel they are well educated in the business management aspect; even though business management in housing isn't necessarily what I would like to do, they are still professional at their jobs, and I can gain a lot of knowledge in the management part. 


2.  You have to ask 5 questions.  What additional questions do you plan to ask? 

• What led you into business management?
• What goes into successfully managing a business?
• In your opinion, how much power do you have in the business?
• How do you know what's right or not for the business?

Blog 3: Topic Choice and Working EQ

1.  List your topic here: 
Business Management


2.  Write a question that helps to focus your research this month.
What different aspects are there in managing a successful business?

Blog 2: Summer Mentorship

1. Link to hours and description spreadsheet.

 https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1QUjqL3vkNx5QUpiLAHVOi1b6hq4BbU5QYB_IHre302s/edit?usp=sharing

2. What is the contact name & number of where you volunteered?   

Scott Bessiere

Telephone #: 1 (626) 622-1113

3. (Need to know) What questions were raised because of the 10 hours of experience? List them.     

• What has to be done to manage the business smoothly?
• How many hours out of the week do you work?
• Is this a stressful job?
• How do you improve your skills to ensure you can manage the business better?
• What aspects of the business do you manage? Which is the easiest and which is more difficult?

4. What is the most important thing you gained from this experience? Why?

The most important thing I gained from this experience was definitely to be precise in your work. When working in business management I strongly believe you must have a good eye for small details, and be sure to double-check everything you have done. In my case, I had to deal with people's money, which is very important to handle correctly. If I miscounted money, or didn't have the same amount of checks I started off with, it could cause a severe problem. Screwing one thing up can lead to a domino effect and ruin everything else along with it. 

5. What is your senior project topic going to be?  How did what you did help you choose a topic?  Please explain.

My senior project is going to be Business Management. After doing 10 hours over the summer related to this subject, I realized it is definitely what I want to do not only for my senior project, but something I can potentially major in college as well. For me, going into business would be perfect seeing as one day I would like to own a business. I figure if I can do my senior project on this topic, it will give me more insight on what Business Management is like. Since Business Management is something I'm really interested in, and would really like to do, I imagine Senior Project will still be stressful, but definitely a little bit more enjoyable for myself. 

Blog 1: 2-Hour Presentations

1.  What presentations did you see?
The presentations I saw were:
Social Work for Abuses, Teaching Elementary, Soccer, Suicidal Youth, Teaching 1st Grade, Boxing, Beauty Salon, Photography Studio, Angioplasty, Engineering, Counseling, Cancer Advocacy, Teaching Kindergarten, Marriage & Family Therapy, Party Planning, and Animal Care.

2.   What questions do you have that haven't been answered about the senior project? This can be about the senior project in general, any components or about a presentation topic you saw or what they said. 
  Most of my questions have been answered throughout the year about senior presentation whether it was asking my peers or teachers. The one question I have regarding senior project that I would like to be answered is "What are the individual components that make up senior project as a whole?". At i-Poly there's always smaller projects that lead up to create the bigger picture; how do the senior teachers help with this in their students senior project?

3. What has been the most important part of the senior project based on what you are seeing in the 2-hour presentations?
I believe attaining a good mentor is the most essential to senior project. From what I observed, mentors help the most aside from the senior teachers in giving students good information to work with and an experience needed in order to complete senior project. Mentors guide students throughout the year to assist them in understanding the topic the have specifically chosen.

4. What topic are you considering doing and why?
There are 2 topics I am interested in doing next year and that would be either Social Work or Entrepreneurship. I've always been interested in social work and although I may not pursue it for my career, I feel as if though becoming a social worker is an amazing way to help those who may not be as fortunate. I love to help people so doing my senior project on social work may be the right choice for me. My other choice, entrepreneurship, would be very helpful to me later on in life since this is what I want to become. Owning my own business is what I strive for. I believe if I become fully aware of all that goes into becoming a successful entrepreneur now, it will be easier later down the road for me. The more information I gather about my dream career, the better. 

5. What are you doing for your summer mentorship?
For my summer mentorship I am hoping to do some work with my aunt who is a social worker. Work during the summer with her would most likely include lots and lots of paperwork, but if I decide on pursuing this topic for the rest of the year I hope I would be in more hands-on situations. She would be my #1 choice as a mentor if Social Work is what I choose as my topic. I would also like to do some hours with my dad's boss who owns her own real estate business, which is kind of like entrepreneurship. Although running a real estate business isn't exactly my cup of tea, I think gathering information on what is it like to run your own business and what are the essentials in doing so will be very valuable information.