Week 5 EOC: Social Networks and Job Hunting

I've actually given this subject quite a bit of thought. To me, it's no big surprise that employers started using Facebook to vet potential employees. I can see how that would be beneficial, but I can also see it looking too invasive. "Indeed, Jeff Vijaunco, vice president of world-wide talent acquisition for Adobe Systems, Inc., said that in focus groups, prospective job candidates were sharply averse to being contacted though Facebook for jobs."(WSJ). I personally see no problem with a company looking at a potential employees Facebook page. I would be lying if I said that I've never scouted out a photography client before. What kind of person are they? Do they have the same interests as me? Are they professional? You can really tell a lot about a person from their social media. Good and bad. This is why I believe that if you put it online, you should be ready to face the consequences. 

Now, people will always argue that this is an invasion of their personal privacy. To that, I say: no one forced you to have a social media presence. The government does not control Facebook, and you took part in it willingly. Also, many people have "keyboard courage" and feel that social media is their personal soapbox, and will often say things that they would never in a million years say in an actual public setting. No one in normal society would announce their political, anti/pro religious, homophobic, raciest, etc. thoughts to the world. But since they are online and not in "real life", they say whatever comes to their mind. Believing there are no consequences. 

Now, to play devil's advocate: the ONLY time I can see a social media investigation infringing on someone's personal right to privacy is when a person is unknowingly photographed or videotaped and added to someone's social media page. Here is the scenario that comes to mind: an elementary school teacher is photographed drinking heavily and participating in drunken shenanigans at a bar, then tagged in the photo by someone else (or is recognized in the photo without any connection to his/her own social media page). That teacher is then fired for acting inappropriately. Sure, that teacher didn't deserve to ousted in that way, and they didn't ask for that to be made public. However, it happens. Often. So should your private life be considered separate from your profession life? If you aren't on the clock, should behavior like this be used against you?

Reference:

 "Recruiters Troll Facebook for Candidates They Like." WSJ. Web. 26 Feb. 2016.

Week 4 EOC: The Cult of Apple

Week 3 EOC: My Demographics

According to Armstrong & Kotler, a Millennials are, “The 83 million children of the baby boomers, born between 1977 and 2000.” Additionally, “One thing that all of the Millennials have in common is their utter fluency and comfort with digital technology. They don’t just embrace technology, it’s a way of life.” Although I may hate to admit it, I am a part of the millennial generation. I am totally comfortable with technology, however, I don’t know that I totally fit the description on a Millennial. I still know what it was like before we relied so heavily on computers. I remember the first cell phones, and I also know how to properly interact with other human beings (something I feel millennials are struggling with). Although this may be a stereotype, I strongly believe that this generation is entitled and don’t know what hard work really is. However, I am capable of critical thinking, and admit that every generation says that about the new generation. “Back in my day” is certainly not a new phrase. I just think we have taken it to the extreme as a species when a majority of 20-somethings can’t even make eye contact while having a conversation. 

There are great qualities within the Millennial demographic however. I think we are more intelligent and efficient with finding and using information than ever. Some people complain that Millennials are always on our phones, but guess what? We can tell you the score of your favorite sports team play-by-play. When I was kid, we would have to wait till the next day to read scores from away games. I think we are a more compassionate generation too. We are able to empathize with each other, and although we do may no live the way you do, we will respect you. We can see both sides to any argument, and make our own judgements. 

I really do think that as a generation, we have a lot to work on with our personal skills, but we also have a lot to offer the world (just a long as we have our Cell Phones and grocery stores so we don’t have to use any actual survival skills whatsoever). 

References:

Armstrong, Gary, and Philip Kotler. Marketing: An Introduction. Boston: Prentice Hall, 2011. Print.

Week 3 EOC: Making Money for Good

Most people would be surprised to learn that Apple is one of the most charitably companies. As a former employee, I can attest to the fact that the CEOs at Apple care about their employees, customers, and the world. It all comes full circle when you really think about it. In order to make technology that people feel love for (yes, they proved that users have emotions toward their phones, iPods, tablets, and computers), they had to really understand people. What makes us tick? What makes us connected? How can we do things better. It all goes into being the most innovative company in the world to date.

Most of the programs encourage Apple Retail and Corporate Employees to donate their time and money to charities of their choice. "Apple matches gifts up to $10,000 a year made by full time employees." I really love that idea, because it means that the employees get to choose their favorite causes, and Apple matches it! "To date, Apple has contributed $78 million to charities through its matching gift program." $78 million is A LOT of money in just a few short years. PLUS, if an employee volunteers their time, Apple will PAY the charity $20 for every hour worked. How awesome is that? "Apple launched its Global Volunteer Program which is available for both retail and corporate employees. The program gives employees the tools to effectively organize volunteer events in their local communities. "

In addition to monetary contributions made to various charities, Apple has worked very had to improve the working condition for Chinese factory workers. After initial accusations of unsafe working conditions in 2012, the company has worked hard to improve employee safety and work conditions.

REFERENCES:

"10 Companies Doing Corporate Philanthropy Right." Double the Donation. WEB. 10 Feb. 2016."

EOC Week 2: Video Gaming: Old Dogs and Cash Cows

Week 1 EOC: Great Customer Service

Customer service is a very big deal to me. I will sacrifice cost for better customer service. For example, about ten years ago, I had a scheduled flight with American Airlines and my flight was cancelled due to maintenance. Knowing that these things happen, I remained calm and understanding. Until the airline told me they couldn't get me to my destination until the next day. The service desk was very unsympathetic and left me frustrated. I started calling around, and found out that Southwest Airlines could get me on a flight that day, that cost less than my original ticket, AND they had a direct flight that got me in sooner than my original flight. But most importantly, they were nice to me. Since that day, I refuse to fly with anyone else. I am such a loyal customer, that I won't even compare prices. 

I also know that quality customer service starts with how the company treats it's employees. Apple, Zappos, and Google are known for their great work environments, and it shows. Just walk into an Apple store, and look how happy the employees are. Then go to WalMart and see how those employees act. It's not a coincidence. Furthermore, I would prefer to take my business to the companies that care about the people working for them. I have not been in a WalMart for at least five years. 

I would also like to add that being a good customer is important as well. People know when you are genuine (on both sides of the counter). I have worked in a customer-centric roll my whole life, and I can absolutely tell you that being honest and understanding goes a long way. For instance, if I shoot a wedding, and the bride is terrible, she is going to get exactly what I promise in my wedding packages. However, if the bride is nice, and doesn't try to abuse her vendors, I will usually gift her with a bonus print or canvas of her favorite image. 

Week 1 EOC: My Voice

As an award-winning photographer, I enjoying fashion and design photography most. I love working with other creative people, and I never want to be stuck in one style of imagery. I feel that everything I do is to become a better version of myself. When you stop growing, you start dying. I work everyday to be a better photographer, wife, and human being. I grew up in remote, Eastern Washington and began my photography obsession in 1999. I loved working with film photography, and would play around with different shooting and editing techniques. My favorite photograph from high school is a multiple-exposure photograph I took while "camping" (i.e. drinking beer in the woods). I would not advance the film, but instead, took four shots of me in different outfits and poses. In my early 20's I worked with the cameras on military reconnaissance planes. I moved to Las Vegas in 2010, because it is a city of diversity and art. Anything goes here, and that's what I love most. 

Now, I focus on imagery of beauty. I gravitate toward fashion photography, because literally anything goes. I can do so much more with fashion than I can with standard portraits. Just like my high school photo with multiple exposures, there is no limit to the creativity and looks I can achieve.