When you are about to buy a stock or a company, hire an employee, choose a bank to deposit your money, or even donate to an NGO you look for information about them that gives you enough detail to TRUST them. You want to buy a stock that will perform great in the future, so you can have an amazing return. You want to buy a company that is financially stable. You want to hire an employee that has a professional background. You want to deposit your money in a bank that measures carefully its risks and manages well the money. Finally, you want to donate to an NGO that is using its fund properly and making a change. Every bit of information you collect about a company matters. It matters because the more you know it, the more likely you are to TRUST on it. The most TRANSPARENT institutions and people are the ones who gain their clients TRUST first. There is a stereotype that banks aren’t friendly, they INTIMIDATE. In Peru, many people living in the lowest secret of the economy don’t have access to the financial system. In many cases, this is related to their economical background, but mainly most of them don’t TRUST these HUGE institutions to watch their money. So, what do they do? They put away their savings under their mattress and hope for the best. One of the things that has contributed to this stereotype is the fact that banks are too complex, the information they give out is too hard to understand and we want S I M P L E. We want simple because if we don't understand the information given, how can we TRUST?. Another thing that greatly impacts many people’s and corporations CHOICE of bank is the fact that they are AWARE of how this institution is performing, if it’s stable, and how it's handling its money. Therefore, TRANSPARENCY is the vital ingredient for TRUST. When companies are TRANSPARENT with their customers, meaning they also share information when they are having trouble, the client feels CONFIDENT about the institution as nothing is held back hidden; thus, they gain more TRUST and stay true to the business, they buy more products and continue building a relationship with the bank. It’s like a certification that no information is being manipulated and the right decisions, with the money placement, are being done well. TRANSPARENCY is the new ingredient to compete in the market, is the new guarantee of TRUST. So even though it’s hard to stay TRANSPARENT, because there is always that dentition to hide some things, it does bring advantages in the long run. Every year, an external corporation like Deloitte, makes an INTERNAL audit for the bank, which confirms that everything they document in the papers they file to SUNAT are TRUE. Banks are extremely regulated because they lend money from the public; however, the idea of having regulators isn’t enough for an individual or a corporation, there is nothing like beign a primary source. Clients want ALL the cards in the table that display how the bank has performed, by seeing it with their own eyes and analyzing the data they can FEEL more confident about the decision they've made with the bank. After the bank undergoes the audit, this document is PUBLISHED on the SUNAT website, so anyone who want so see how the bank has performed over the years can. In our own company, Blendz, we’ve implemented TRANSPARENCY in our culture because we see the value in it. We are very TRANSPARENT with our finances, in our website we have published the financial status of all the sales, so our clients can see how much money we've made and how the 100% of the profit goes to Habla Roosevelt. Now, people who doubted our S/.8 price can be sure that we don’t keep anything in our pockets, and the money is used RESPONSIBLY. Even though Habla Roosevlet takes place during Saturday’s when there is no school and anyone can’t see it, we constantly put updates and pictures of how things are going. We want to display the change our company is making because it’s important that our clients see that every smoothie makes a CHANGE. Something we could work on, is creating a detailed balance sheet and posting it on the website or Facebook page, this is a clear way to see where we are going financially. Additionally, by keeping our finances in public, it builds HUGE amounts of trust in the clients, which makes them want to keep buying. Now they know their purchase is worth it. Furthermore, we’ve also been very transparent with our recipes, the magnificent Berry-B or classic Banorange are no HIDDEN treasures. If you want to drink one at home the recipes are posted online. We still need to advertise this much more to our customers, but they are posted. We not only share each ingredient that goes in our smoothies, but also every calorie as well. On the other side, being TRANSPARENT also has it’s down falls and things we need to CHALLENGE. Especially in banks transparency is COMPLICATED. They display complex information that maybe misinterpreted by the clients as they are not familiar with the terms or balance sheets and the numbers look scary, information can be misread. Also, if you put your information out to the public it's most likely that the COMPETITION will use this to their advantage and eventually pass you. Finally, there is always that hard BALANCE between showcasing some information, and also keeping the some of it private. It’s hard to do this because it may seem that you are hiding something, but banks do need to manage this balance because they work with confidential information from their clients. Nonetheless, if we take into account the benefits and challenges TRANSPARENCY has I’d agree that being transparent creates a TRUSTWORTHIER environment, and it's pros surpass the cons. It gives clients relief that their money is being held in great hands and makes them LOYAL to you. It also brings trust amongst corporations, stakeholders, and even with your own employees. This is a great tool to attack the competitive market and bring together a community that TRUST you and will make you GROW.
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EVERYDAY we are posed with RISKS. There is a risk that while you cross the road, a car will flash out of nowhere, there is a risk that if you cut your hair, you won't like it, and there is a risk that if you order sushi, the fish is bad. No matter what we do, there is a risk in every choice we make. However, if we STRONGLY believe the good outcome is worth the RISK, then we should EMBRACE it. In microfinance, there is a risk in every loan provided to a micro client. There is risk that even the best paying client won't pay you back, because there is always a chance he will get sick or that something happens in the business or family, and he has no money to pay. But if nothing does wrong, then you've made quite the deal. Therefore, financial institutions take these chances, because just like the bad outcome can mean a loss of money, if the client does pay back the loan it's a SUPER win for them, especially if they are in the RISKIEST category. All clients are categorized into four different risk groups, this allows the bank or institution to determine their interest rates and eligibility for the different credits. The riskiest clients have the highest interest rates because they have the highest probability of default; therefore, the bank needs to secure some money, and thus poses HIGH INTEREST RATES on these types of clients. Even though, informal business owners are risky clients, financial institutions are willing to make these colocations of money because they know that if the client pays the loan will be very profitable. This is why many financial institutions, like Banco Financiero, are working strategies to target the most RISKY sector of the economy: the small and informal business. Usually, when banks or any financial institution want to give a loan, they have to understand how the business of the client works, and most importantly understand how much they sell and how much money they make to see if the business if PROFITABLE. So, in order to determine this, institutions ask clients to supply them with balance sheets, invoices, or tickets that demonstrate the things mentioned previously. With this information on hand, banks are able to determine the loans that suit their client financially; a loan that allows them to buy what they need, but at the same time is in their paying range. Banks build CLOSE relationships with their clients and advise them with good financial decisions, so that they don't FALL into debt. But despite their efforts to help clients payback with no trouble, they also OVERWHELM them with financial opportunities, which the clients end up taking because they are desperate to ascend from social class. In the past few years, there has been a lot of PREDATORY LENDING, which has not only FEED debt to many individuals, but has also caused some financial institutions to fall apart (like Mi Banco). Despite the RISK taken with every client, these new types of credits offered to Peruvians are giving the people--of the lowest sector of the economy--an OPPORTUNITY to flourish and accomplish their dreams. Research, has found that Peruvians have some sort of entrepreneurial spirit in their DNA. Peruvians have an insane DRIVE to survive, to be creative, and thus be entrepreneurial to make their dreams reality. Additionally, it has also been found that the Peruvian females are one of the most entrepreneurial women in the world, and they are also the best paying gender as they feel responsibility to take care of their families and the work hard to prevent falling into debt. Currently, the middle class has extended because the lower sector has been given more CHANCES. Furthermore, even though taking risks is profitable for a bank, they also need to establish some LIMITS, so they don't go broke. Therefore, financial models have been created to determine the probability of default, level of risk, each individual possess, and thus determine if they will be rejected or granted the loan. Nevertheless, risk is not only determined through mathematical equations, nothing replaces a HUMAN CONVERSATION and RELATIONSHIP. A very important part of risk is also determined when the collaborator meets the client. Many times, these people can have a hard financial history, but are extremely hard working and trustworthy, and in these special cases the numbers aren't the defining factor. "INFORMED RISK CALCULATIONS ALLOWS AN INSTITUTION TO ASSESS NEW MARKET OPPORTUNITIES, ENSURE EXISTING OPERATIONS ARE CONSTANTLY IMPROVED, AND DELIVER COMPETITIVE, EFFECTIVE GOODS AND SERVICES TO ITS CUSTOMERS. THE CHALLENGE IS TO NURTURE A CULTURE THAT REWARDS GOOD RISK MANAGEMENT WITHOUT DISCOURAGING RISK TAKING."BIG risks come with BAD consequences, but also GREAT benefits. It's a matter of knowing how to measure this risks, and knowing exactly what you want that makes the outcome WORTHWHILE. Two years ago I took a huge risk in my education path, instead of following the revered and recognized IB Diploma I decided to take a risk and do the Innovation Academy. Even though, the outcome of college was UNCERTAIN, I was determined that the experience, skills, knowledge, and opportunities I was going to have in the IA were worth the risk. It has been two years and the results have been outstanding. I've found who I am, I've embarked myself in the road to the carear I want to purse, I've made great friends, had plenty of real world experience, and grown as a learner and person. All because I measured my risk and knew exactly what I wanted to get from my decision. The same happens in a loan, the outcome is clear, and the risks are measured in order to control the probability of default. Just like people, companies have to take risks to grow out of their confront zone, but they also have to do it moderately.
Over the past few weeks, we’ve continued working on Blendz. We are currently APPROACHING the FINISH LINE, so we need to polish our baby. It’s been a tough term; aside from being very short, we’ve had tremendous amount of work. With a real life business in one hand and mocks on the other, it’s been a challenge to keep a BALANCE. Nonetheless, with just a few months, we’ve been able to CONCRETE some things like the cart and systems. Both have helped us organize, grow and be more efficient. Also, in the process, I’ve continued to learn new things about myself like my strengths and the areas that I still need to work on. During the past week, we’ve begin REFLECTING on our performance and putting down midterm grades. I’ve looked back into my performance (of these two months) and processed the FEEDBACK my classmates gave me, and I’ve come up with new goals. We only have a few months left, but I've still wrote down some things I want to work on.. To be honest, before the IA, I wasn’t PASSIONATE or interested about writing; it was always just another task. Today, as soon as the INSPIRATION moment hits me, I love to sit and write my blog or article. Currently, I enjoy writing because I’ve defined my style and my voice; I feel this is one of my STRENGTHS. Also, another FORTE I have is listening. Because I’m introverted, I don’t speak up as much, so I’ve developed good listening skills. In many cases, listening to other people first has helped me rethink my ideas and even improve them too. Nonetheless, I also feel that this semester I’ve been more PRESENT in the class, like a classmate said to me the feedback sessions. I’ve gain more confidence and trust within my peers, so I feel confortable sharing my thoughts. Moreover, there are some things I want to work on. I’ve learned how to synthesis big concepts and capture them into one theme, which ties everything together, but I feel that this semester I’ve moved away from sharing my personal thoughts and making connections with things learn in the class and how they are valuable to ME. Therefore, I challenged myself to bring ME—from time to time—to my reflections and either explain how different lessons are significant to me or how I can improve my habits. Additionally, it’s good to INTROSPECT in order to grow and be self aware of your weaknesses and strengths, so you can apply or work on them. The last challenge I want to pose, is to read more continuously; this will not only help me command my punctuation at a higher level, but it will improve my vocabulary and help me vary my style. I’ve always considered ORGANIZATION my greatest strength, but I also consider it one of my greatest WEAKNESSES. In one hand, being organized has helped me stay on top of things, complete my work good and on time. This skill is reflected in many aspects of my life, even in my writing. I don’t like to limit myself in moments of INSPIRATION, but I do like to outline my blogs, presentations, and even articles, so it has a coherent order and structure. This allows me to transmit my ideas clearly and concisely. On the other side, being organized has made my life very STRUCTURED. Many times, I’m so busy working and completing task after task that I forget to E N J O Y my work. Something I still struggle, and I’m challenging myself this semester with, is to find the PLAY and FUN in my work. I need to find a balance between working and having fun, because what is the purpose of creating beautiful work without enjoying it. At times it’s good to step back and see the big picture, when you understand the purpose it’s easier to see the PLAYFUL side. Furthermore, my role didn’t encompass much media, but I feel that I’ve continued to ENGAGE with it in other areas. Something I’ve begun to do this term, which I want to keep doing, is experiment and be more CREATIVE with the media in my blogs. Before I searched for pictures, but I currently play with it more in keynote, so I transmit my writing more precisely through the images. Really, I enjoy working with media and this is why it plays an important role in my blogs and presentations. Although, I’m a frequent Twitter user, I feel I could do much more with it. I tweet out many articles and pictures, but I want to push myself to CONNECT with my classmates more. I think it’s not only a great tool to share my learning and the cool projects I'm working on, but also to NETWORK with other people. Also, since I’ve been working on the sales and the cart I’ve been able to balance my screen time better than before. This term I was forced not to spend too much time in the computer, but I want to make this a habit even if my job does require a lot of screen time. It’s important to know your screen LIMITS and from time to time move away from the computer. There are so many VALUABLE skills, knowledge, and experiences I’ve taken from the IA. I wish I could have some more time here. The IA has pushed me to IDENTIFY my strengths and apply them in the projects we work on, and it has also made me aware of my weaknesses and has CHALLENGED me to work on them. As I work in my internship and visit colleges, I realize how the lessons I’ve taken from here will be handy the rest of my life. Two years ago I took the risk and it has paid back. Although I only have a few months left in the IA, I still want to work challenge myself and work on my weaknesses. I now know how to INTROSPECT, do self-reflections, work on my weaknesses, and I’ll be able to apply this ANYWHERE I go.
46 DAYS, that's it. Our journey is coming to an END, and I can’t believe how HASTILY it all went. My first IA days still remain vividly in my mind; it doesn’t make sense how two years have already passed by. I lucidly remember the first time we ever united as a group to run the 5 km for Down Syndrome. Also, it doesn't seem that long ago, when Randy came from California and taught us the design thinking process, or even when we skyped at 4 am the day the documentary was due. It makes me gloomy to think that this REMARKABLE journey will end soon. The IA has changed my life, not to be cliché or anything, but it has certainly impacted me in a POSITIVE way. It happened in the right time, and I'm exceptionally GRATEFUL to be part of it. Without the IA, I wouldn’t have a clear idea of who I am or what I want to do, I wouldn’t of learned how to find value to make my life more purpose, and without it, I wouldn’t have learned how to fail and be perseverant. These are just some of the many valuable lessons the IA has IMPRINTED and gifted me with. Because this has been such a REATTRIBUTING experience, we—as the first IA class—have decided that we want to give back to our community by sharing everything we’ve learned these two years. The lessons and experiences acquired here are unparalleled. The class has been divided into two groups: BlendZ and IA final thesis. We have to to maximize our PRODUCTIVITY and test out if BlendZ can be managed by only 6 people, this is the perfect time to do so. The IA final thesis group is currently working on a project, somewhat like the iWEEK, where we go to a secondary school—somewhere in Peru, the location is still to be determined—and we give the kids (14+) workshops on some of the MAJOR lessons we’ve learned in the IA like: autonomy, passion, mastery, mindset, personal branding, and others. We want to give lessons that will REMAIN with them, not theory that will fade with time. The idea is to challenge the students to create an innovative solution to a local problem, and at the same time applying what they’ve learned in the workshops, learn how to collaborate, and also learn about design thinking through the process. Also, the last day, each group would pitch their ideas and we pick the project we believe in the most, and we will also help fund it with the money of BlendZ. Finally, through the week, we would also film a documentary that not only ENCOMPASSES what we'll be doing, but also captures what the IA means to us and how it's CHANGED us. Nothing will be set in stone until we've found the schools. Therefore, we are in the process of searching for schools that are willing to give us the TIME of their teachers and students, so that we can carry out our project. We've just started, but contacting schools, has been our biggest challenge so far. As I think more and more about this project I get infinitely INSPIRED and DELIGHTED to work. The project still needs to be defined and twitched around, but I'm certain that our interaction with a small school and community will make an IMPACT, in them and also in us. When you have a clear audience, you are able to understand their needs and SERVE them better. By having a set community and school, we will be able to change our plan to make and make our visit more RELEVANT. Additionally, once we know the school we can do deeper research and serve their needs closer. Yesterday, during lunch, I was brainstorming and talking about the project with my classmates and I realized that even though they would BENEFIT from workshops and the challenge, we could maybe--as we learn more about the community--pose a bigger challenge to help them LONG-TERM. I would maintain the workshops, but like I mentioned previously, with lessons and not with heavy content that they will forget. During lunch, Paolo mentioned his idea about installing a well, we would bring the materials and we would CHALLENGE the community and us to build it over the week. Even though, the idea of building a well was metaphorical it got me thinking on how we could MODIFY the project we have now and make it even more significant to our audience. I see the VALUE in both ideas, and I don't see why we can't merge both. Right now, I’m not quite sure where I want to go with this thought, but I’ll keep thinking about it, and it will become more clear as we have a established community. I believe that our main focus this week is to find our AUDIENCE, so we can develop further the project. I feel E M P O W E R E D.
EMPOWERED to make a difference in a some children's lives, to GIVE BACK to my community, and to create something that will give VALUE, to others and to me. Taking on this project is the perfect GOLDEN FINALE to end our crazy adventure. It comprises who we are and what the IA means to us. And as we find the school, the more we will define the project, and the more meaningful it will become. A sushi genius once said: “YOU MUST DEDICATE YOUR LIFE TO YOUR DREAMS” JIRO ONO--the leading sushi chef in the world--wakes up every morning eager to prepare sushi, but not any kind, the most EXCEPTIONAL sushi in the world. It’s not about the money or the fame; it’s about following a PASSION that gives his life meaning, and still keeps him in kitchen with 85 years of age. There is no more valuable feeling that doing what you LOVE and MASTERING it. To me, Jiro is the perfect example of SUCCESS, because he’s not only found his C R A F T, but exceeds in it. He LOVES what he does, he INSPIRES people, he conveys PASSION, and PERFECTION through his delectable food. Money, is not his focus; money is just a by-product. There are few people who truly find PURPOSE in life; we are too focused on seeking high pay checks, studying the most hired careers, and fighting for the head positions at work. We have completely forgotten to explore what makes each of us HAPPY, or we have simply left it aside. Why are we so scared to follow our passions? We have defined passions as: "they won’t pay the bills" or "they won't help us succeed". We have decided that if they don't give us money, they are not worth our TIME, even if they make us smile. Is this the right MINDSET? Do we have the right definition of SUCCESS? SUCCESS is not about having a big title, the latest iPhone, or a mansion; success is about finding YOUR CRAFT. A craft that enlightens you inside, even, when you just think about it. However, it's a CHALLENGE, and your craft won’t just come to you. You must EXPLORE, EXPERIENCE, and TRY NEW THINGS in order to find that something that DEFINES you and gives your life an aim. The IA has helped me define who I am. Even though I haven’t found my craft yet, I feel that I’ve embarked myself in the right road, which is helping me explore it deeper. Before 11th grade I had no idea how much I was into business, the only thing I knew was that I wanted to pursue a CREATIVE career. I was excited about art and design, but I wasn’t completely sure what I wanted to do with that. Through the IA, I've received plenty of real world experience and autonomy in projects, which have lead me to realize that MARKETING is something I want to do. For me, marketing is the perfect combination of art and business, it merges two things I’m PASSIONATE about. Luckily, I’ve been given the opportunity to FLAVOR it, and it's given some direction to my life. When I was making my college list I wasn't drowned by all the majors, instead I was able to properly direct and synthesize my research into universities that exceed in marketing and business. However, even though I’ve fallen in my niche, marketing, I still want to explore other options in business. Marketing is the only area I’ve truly experienced and IMMERSED myself in, therefore, I’ve decided to take the risk in my internship and give a shot to finance and accounting, which are also part of business. This internship will not only help me by teaching me fundamental skills in life, but it will allow me to TASTE possible crafts that I might love or hate, but I won’t know that until I try them. The only way to DEFINE a craft is by putting yourself different shoes and looking from different perspectives.
Like I mentioned, I’m not completely decided with what I want to do with my life; before it’s too late, I want to take on new CHALLENGES and ADVENTURES, which today, I've been given the time and tools to do so. I want to live a life with meaning, like Jiro I want to FIND MY SUSHI. I want to wake up everyday excited to work, and I want to MASTER something I’m passionate about. You’ll know you’ve found your craft once you FAIL, and you are still holding on to it because even in difficult times you are still attached to it, and when you aspire to reach PERFECTION throughout your lifetime, you don't settle with reaching your goal. So, if you haven’t found your SUSHI, it’s never to late to start exploring, or to quit what makes you unhappy to purse something that does. Follow your D R E A M S and hold onto your SUSHI. Every morning—during the week—my alarm screams "wake up" at 6:20 am, I stand up and walk to the shower, change, brush my hair and teeth, dry my hair, disconnect both my computer and phone from their chargers, walk out to the breakfast table, eat, put on my shoes, and finally, at 7:00 am sharp, I’m already pressing the elevator button to go downstairs to the car. I follow this ROUTINE everyday—unconsciously—because it has helped me to be EFFICIENT, stay ORGANIZED, and REMEMBER to bring everything to school. We all have systems and they make us more PRODUCTIVE. Schools have systems, businesses have systems, and even the human body has systems. We have to SYSTEMATIZE certain things in order to make then a constant habit, instead of just having another task we have to complete. When you have a system, you know exactly when to do that something it and how to do it, things FLOW by themselves; however, without systems, you have to set yourself remainders to do things and sometimes you MISS them. Last class—in Blendz—Gisella and I created a system so that the ordering of fruit runs smoother. Every week, we drown Jorge Cocchella’s email inbox with fruit orders, we order different quantities and flavors each time. It gets CHAOTIC and BEWILDERING. This week, for example, we forgot to order for the Monday 16 because we didn’t know how many smoothie bags we had, how much had to be ordered, and what flavor had to be ordered. Our department was FALLING APART because of a lack of structure; we had no inventory or ordering system, and since none of us were participating in the Monday’s sale, we completely forgot to order. Thus, we had to make an EMERGENCY call and rush our order. No fruit means: UNHAPPY customers, and LOST sale opportunity. Systems don’t have to be too SOPHISTICATED nor PUZZLING, they can be simple reminders or short routines that allow your business to run tranquil. Just like they talk about in “The Checklist Manifesto”, they shouldn’t have more than NINE steps, which is the average capacity a human can remember. Once a routine becomes a habit, you have nothing to worry about, no more missing tasks, no more mistakes, and no more rushing orders. For Blendz sales, we ‘ve decided that every Monday we are selling Ma’Berry, every Thursday we are selling Berry-B, and both days we are selling Banorange since it’s the only non-diary smoothie we have. The system for ordering goes as following: This structure will facilitate our supplier’s PRODUCTION and DELIVERY, and it will also allow us to stay coordinated, and make sure we always have enough fruit for the events, even when we are not the ones in shift to sell. Now, we only have to order once a week, same flavors, and same amount. No more SATURATED inboxes. AUTONOMY is key in a company--and anywhere really--because it fosters CREATIVITY and INNOVATION. This is why we have to break out from that squared, structured, systematic box. Nonetheless, it’s important to maintain organization and accounting of things, this is why SYSTEMS are created. We should create structures that keep us on top of things, but don’t limit our imagination. We should create structures that are detailed, but don’t make us sheep. We should create structures with different steps, but have space to freely pivot or modify things if needed. We should use systems to organize our creativity and company, they should't be threatening, if so, something has to be changed. SYSTEMS, are essential for success.
Media is EVERYTHING. Media is EVERYWHERE. Media MATTERS. The whole world revolves around media. It has become part of our daily routine, our habits, because it has changed the way we communicate and interact, how businesses market, the accessibly of information, and how we learn. The Internet has REVOLUTIONIZED our modern world. With only a few CLICKS, you can reach out to people living on the other side of the globe. With a few CLICKS, you can create meaningful advertisements to catch more consumer eyes. With a few CLICKS, you can begin a worldwide conversation by creating a hashtag. MARKETER, more than anyone, have taken control over the media world—especially social media—and have redefined its use. Who knew that a tweet or an Instagram post could reach so many people? Well, companies are currently HARNESSING the power of these social media sites to reach out to consumers; we’ve seen the impact. Today sales are increasing and advertisements are becoming YouTube sensations. The INTERNET and MEDIA have become the most P O W E R F U L phenomenons of our time, they are crucial. The future of MARKETING is media because this tool has allowed us to create trends, conversations with customers, and even spread the information or promotions around—with one click—to the entire word. MEDIA has made advertising cheaper, expeditious, and efficient. As college approaches, I soon have to begin deciding what path I want to follow, and what career I want to pursue. I’m almost certain that I want to study business—major in marketing—for my future career. Therefore, for my IBG I’ve decided to work on my media skills; even though, I won’t start my career right ahead, mastering Photoshop, Illustrator, knowing how to manage social media, and even learning how keep a good online presence are some basics for my career. The faster I begin to MASTER them, the more SKILLFUL I'll become. People, who DOMINATE media, DOMINATE the business world. I, for example, have been a victim of the social media marketing fever. In my Instagram account I follow a user called “JamaWena”, which is managed by some friends in school. They post delicious dishes, snacks, and desserts they eat around in Lima, gastronomic capital. Many times I’ve used their Instagram profile as a culinary guide. Even though they do it for entertainment, they are actually marketing the different restaurants, and as a result people are going there, including myself. They have achieved COMMANDING many foodie’s actions. More than just BENEFITING from the wide spread of advertisements all over the internet, companies benefit from social media because they are able to see the impact their campaigns have on the people (via likes, shares, retweets, and views). You are able to measure the traffic in your website or page, and you are able to receive instantaneous feedback. Nothing is more valuable than seeing the IMPACT your work has on your audience. Therefore, having a positive and well-crafted online presence is VITAL for anything or for anyone. This is why, for my IBG I’ve also separated some time to RETHINK some areas in my website. I’ve improved the writing and have updated it, but I want to create a theme that remains throughout, I want to make everything more concise, and add media that makes the website more visual appealing. Media has played a huge role in globalization and networking. It's certainly imperative for the future, and especially key for a marketing carear. If marketing is something I want to pursue, learning how to manage this POWERFUL tool smartly is a great beginning. Media literacy is INDISPENSABLE today. Therefore, if you want to have a memorable online presence, a well known business, or the skills to produce distinct ad, don't satay behind, and begin to UNLOCK the tricks and secrets MEDIA has to offer.
AUTONOMY is the key ingredient for motivation, creativity, and innovation. In the IA, we are inspired to be the DRIVERS of our own learning because we are given autonomy. When we work on projects, there are certain expectations regarding what we have to cover, but overall we are privileged with the F R E E D O M of CHOICE. We have to the power to tune around projects, ideas, and roles if we have a different perception or approach. There are no restrictions to where your creativity can go. Back in the first semester of IA, we did a FINANCE UNIT. The task was to CHOOSE and present one company that was socially responsible. Apart from those limitations, everything else was up to us. At first I couldn't believe the amount AUTONOMY we were given, before we were used to following a rubric in order to succeed; however, here, our creativity and passion were the tools that would lead us to succeed. It was hard not to follow any rules. I decided to chose a company that was good with its employees. As I was researching, I decided to pick STARBUCKS, because I loved the work they were producing and how good they were with their employees. I must admit, I am not a finance or math person; therefore, if I would've been forced to research a given company I would've hated this project. However, since we were given LIBERTY to explore any company we were passionate about I ended up craving to learn more about finance and thinking this could possibly be a good career. I was motivated to work; I even remember getting back from school and discussing about stocks and finance with my father. Giving me the FREEDOM of choice payed off, and the SBUX stock was chosen to be part of our investment. The autonomy that was given to us triggered my motivation, my interest, and even my passion for finance, which I didn't even knew it existed. I had no threatening boundaries and this helped me succeed.
Giving AUTONOMY can lead to fantastic things, but it's a challenge to manage it wisely. In the IA I have been given some freedom of choice in every project, but IBG is all about autonomy, there is absolutely NO RULES. Yes it's cool, yes it's a privilege, and yes it's unique, but I've had a hard time deciding what I want to do in that time. I feel S C A T T E R E D. I keep rethinking this over my head because I've never been given such autonomy; therefore, my brain hasn't been trained to think so OUT of the LINES. Thus, the challenge for me this weekend is to think deeply of how I can take advantage of that autonomy to follow my passion, to grow, and create beautiful work. ''IF YOU DON'T IMAGINE, NOTHING EVER HAPPENS"
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