This is it, it is all you have – You’re Reputation

Sitting here at home thinking about life, pondering about the next move and the opportunities that will come. However, something happened today and it made me really think about the word ‘reputation.’ In college, students can fool around and get away with it. By that I mean, if you fool around ‘well’, you can still have a great job and command a good salary too. I remember years ago when sex tapes were becoming a trend. A tape was released through hackers with a college couple. Of course, no one cared about the male who was also visibly on camera but more emphasis was placed on the girl. With all the reasons for that, it must be a horrible feeling for your most intimate moment to be seen by hundreds of people and the internet!

In the professional world, you are recognized and are judged by your latest project. People tend to forget what you did years ago but the blunder you created minutes ago will remain fresh in their minds.  Being on the job keeps you on your feet. More than ever, job security is on everyone’s mind; forcing people to be productive and efficient. Having people’s trust is critical because they depend on you not only to perform but to surpass expectations. The mere fact you got the project to work on wasn’t a trial and error judgement, more so, it was a deliberated process (most times) based on your skills and competencies. When someone who entrusted you with a duty and in the middle of it withdraws that responsibility to give someone else, it shows you’re incapable of delivering on what is expected. It is alarming because those who you expected to look up to you and who you wanted to impress will now have second thoughts. Because they had high expectations of you and they are now saying and thinking you are not the ‘big fry’ you claim to be.

Sitting here at home, after a lovely Jamaica meal I think about those who are being referred to others because of their tremendous quality and delivery at what they do. Recently one of my acquaintances was referred to a new project. Although there are options in taking a decision, there are ramifications if you turn down someone’s recommendation, especially if it comes from an esteemed, prominent person.

All we have in our professional life is our ‘reputation’. Without it, it may cost you the next job opportunity. I will encourage employees to start creating a reputation that has hard work and Excellency as its foundation in the workplace. The only thing we can build and hold on to is our own reputation. The next time you get that job/responsibility from your boss, suck it up and complete it with pride and hard work; See the forest not the trees.

Jamaican Journalism: Bleeding to mediocrity

For many people who have visited or have heard of Jamaica, some of their thoughts are positive while others are negative. Jamaica is a wonderful paradise when you get to appreciate all the interesting scenes and places the island has to offer. However, just like many other countries around the world, we all have our issues. The USA has to deal with a recession; Cubans have to face living in a communist state. Well, Jamaicans face a plethora of issues that our previous leaders and present ones have all failed to correct. Not only do we face a recession like most countries but we encounter high levels of criminality daily, corruption in the public sector including politicians, average literacy rate, low productivity, high unemployment, the acceptance of illegal activities, a dying media that is in need of high journalistic standards and the list goes on.

As you may know Africans from the West Cost of Africa were shipped against their will to the Caribbean region. History reminds us that the most rebellious of the tribes came to Jamaica. This is one theory that is used to interpret our high crime levels over the years which continues today. Although politicians played a major role in the distribution of guns early on they have either failed to correct our crime situation or cannot right the issue of crime.

Jamaica is recognized as a third world country and it would appear that everything we do reminds us that we are in fact a developing country. Journalists in Jamaica are trained by a local media school at the University of the West Indies (UWI) called Caribbean Institute of Media and Communications (CARIMAC). In a recent column in the Jamaica Gleaner Carolyn Cooper who heads the department of Literary and Cultural Studies at UWI recently stated that the University of the West Indies is the only ‘real, real’ university here in Jamaica. For those who may not understand what she alluded to, she means the University of the West Indies is the only local institution that should be regarded at a ‘university’ bearing in mind we have many.

With a high crime rate like ours the newscasts are filled with stories reporting criminal activities. Moreover television newscasts go beyond the call of duty to record and report the bloody images not only in print but those aired on television. In recent times there have been attempts to have news agencies in Jamaica become more vigilant in how they report stories surrounding the topic of crime and violence since children, families and adults are all exposed.

For the past week in Jamaica there is an interesting discussion on whether a newscast on television went overboard in showing graphic images of a Rastafarian man chopping a cab driver for $20.00 (Jamaican) equivalent to $0.23 cents (American) and $0.24 cent (Canadian). The incident is not only shown once but is repeated more than three times in the news item. Although the presenter warned viewers of the graphic images in the story they should have shown more responsibility, compassion and journalistic character.

With the levels of crime and violence in Jamaica, some Jamaicans would appreciate if newscasts ignore some of the heinous incidents that happen daily. Personally, I do not know how comforting or ideal this would be but journalists would not agree with that position. Journalists should report on what is important to the society. This is not the first time this news agency has shown graphic images of incidents not fit for airplay. They are creating a bad name for themselves while degrading journalistic standards. I do agree that these incidents do happen (a clip slips through the cracks) but when it becomes a trend, viewers will stop taking you seriously. The media in Jamaica does not only suffer from low standards of journalism but we are out of control in airing outrageous  lyrics on the airwaves. That is a whole other issue for another piece.

Jamaicans and Snitching

What is also startling in this story is how Jamaicans respond to violent incidents. In this video you can hear a woman shouting the man’s name “Bobby”. However, if you look carefully you will notice that people are not shocked or moved by what is taking place. No one rushes to call the police or 911, 811 or 119 here in Jamaica. They are going about their business as usual. Even moments after this incident takes place, eyewitnesses claimed they did not see anything. This is the reality Jamaicans live in. If they speak out about violent acts, they will be hunted down like hawks and killed for sharing information. It is not surprising that with a police station 15 feet away they were not aware of this incident till hours after. It is so sad living here.

Personal Note

I contemplated for long placing that horrific video on this blog. I thought about it and I am placing the video below. This video contains graphic images of a man chopping an innocent cab driver. After receiving multiple chop wounds the cab driver later drives his car to a nearby hospital where he was admitted in critical conditions. The driver is still alive today with the Rastafarian in police custody who was found with a bald head. This video grossed me out completely and has the ability to make you cringe in your seat. Just by looking at the screen shot below tells how graphic this gets.

Blackberry Etiquette

Everywhere you go today people are constantly on blackberries, I-phones and all these top gadgets. You just cannot miss them! It is this new craze that is taking on traction in society. No longer is it that holders of blackberries would be corporate employees. Please. Any and everyone today appear to be walking with one, except me of course. I guess the time will come when something else has taken off. In marketing they call us laggards.

In a bid to be constantly communicating, these gadgets fill this gap. It allows users to be always connected and always accessible. I cannot bear to see blackberry users ignore protocol and disturb the environment. To this end, users of these high gadgets think it is a right to use their phones anytime. It is not a right. There is no way you should be using your phone in a meeting for personal entertainment. I can understand that at some point along the way you will be needed urgently by someone. However, it is the constant deliberate attempt to undermine those leading and other factors. Normally you would think that if you’re going to disturb a meeting hide and do it, secretly. No, users of blackberries must be seen and heard. It is sickening. Until they are in leadership roles and need that attention and feedback in a discussion that they will understand that it is really not cool to be using the phone in certain settings.

Clearly, this distracts you from the real purpose at hand and does not allow you to be productive, contributing to the tasks at hand. I have a friend who has a blackberry and he made the comment that until I have a blackberry then I will understand why users are constantly on them, even becoming distracted. I appreciate technology and the ability to communicate. I do not welcome people disrespecting others in a professional setting with the excuse of a cell-phone. Those that are trying to reach you most times are secondary, they won’t die, the economy won’t crash, and the world will still orbit the sun. Show some respect and know when to be on that cellular technology.

Some tips.

1. Ensure phone is set to Silent/Vibrate before entering a meeting.
2. If your phone happens to ring, allow the person to leave a message and record the person’s name and number so you can return their call AFTER the meeting NOT during.
3. If your phone happens to rings aloud, apologize and tell the person on the line you will get back to them.
4. Develop a habit of placing phone on silent/vibration. You are going to enter a meeting with others who are sacrificing time, be respectful for their time.

Marketing and the black race

Marketing for any business operating in today’s harsh business world isn’t easy. Getting the right campaign to the target market is a huge task. Hitting the nail on the head can be a massive gamble. Companies who use the services of marketing/advertising agencies most times are not in control of what the agencies produce. Somehow, companies even accept anything that the agency produces without contesting or even make suggestions to improve on the advertisement. It is sad when companies have to withdraw ads that offend a segment of the target market even sometimes offending the society. Advertisements are not only produced for the intended market. Because they are viewed in the mass media, extending the reach of the ad, the advert may be offensive. Companies however have a huge role in ensuring that the ads that the company has on television, radio, print etc are comfortable and not offensive.

Recently, KGB a company that answers questions that they receive by text messaging released an ad that some people find offensive. Some even want the ad to be pulled. The ad portrays black females in a salon getting their hair done. A female talent in the ad asked the other ‘What kind of hair is this?’ The response of the hairstylists says natural. The discussion there continues with the quest to find out what natural hair means by sending a text message to KBG for the answer.

From the advertising agency and company’s point of view they have achieved their objectives. They produced an ad reflecting the company’s proposition (product), and they used talents which reflected in some way their intended target audience. Success huh?

But the issue is bigger than that. The issue is the portrayal of black people. Culturally, the black race is known for their sense of humour, survival, hardworking attitude, breaking the law etc. Generally in advertisements the black talent would always deliver that punch line of a joke, or be seen eating unhealthy foods like chicken (not that chicken is bad). There are both positive and negative images that are embedded in ads today. These images can be offending; some can be flattering while others can be motivating.

There is certainly nothing wrong with the advertisement of this company. People will find issue with the ad that most of the actors were black. Normally, companies with a huge target market would show diversity in the ad to show that all races accept their product. This advertisement borderlines offensive because it appears to be saying that only black people wear weaves and emphasizes the fact that they cannot explain where it comes from. The believe that black people wear the most weaves may be a lie, but this ad does not make it appealing.

But how did we get here? There are issues within the black community and it is sad that this company is highlighting that flaw to sell their brand. Majority of people believe that black people use weave as a way to change who they really are. They use all the hair products and chemicals to look like someone else. Weaves do compliment and enhance a woman’s features. There is nothing wrong with wearing a weave. There might be a problem when weave identifies your race.

Tweet @ World: I’m so nervous at this Interview

If you happen to be working in an organization, the chance you entered the firm completing an interview is very likely. Interviews can be daunting, and nerve racking, I know the jitters people feel. I happen to be on an interview today and it went well I must say. I love the interview process because some people make it seem harder than it is. The fact you got call for an interview means you have passed the initial stage of the process. You have your foot in the door.

Interviewers are not horrible employees; most times they are pleasant corporate employees who just want you to do well. Today, the other candidates beside me were nervous; they even expressed this fear towards the interview. On the contrast I was beside them waiting for this moment to come. I do understand the feeling especially if you are shy (I have been there), and if you haven’t prepared well for the interview.

There are no 1, 2, 3 steps to use to remove the nervous feeling a candidate may have. But you can surely follow some tips to help you to remain calm. There are some tips below that might help you in the next interview, in the event you feel nervous.

Be confident

The battle is almost won, you were granted an interview. All left for you to do is to prove you really want this job. Everything you do will affect your confidence level. Personally, I have positive thoughts. I think I am the best, am the right person for this job and think you will be able to communicate this to the interviewers.

Relax

Take it easy. You have arrived early for the interview and most times you might be sitting in the lobby or a waiting area. If there are magazines, read one. Look around and observe your surroundings. The moment you begin to get ahead of yourself, you have placed your mental thinking in another place. If you do not feel the need to read a magazine, review yours notes and ensure you are ready for the questions. Most interviews always follow a certain pattern, so get ready for it. For example: expect a Tell me about yourself question, greatest weakness etc.

Pace yourself

Everything you do today is a dance. It should be beautiful. Watch your timing. When the questions are asked, don’t rush. Take it easy and answer the question. I am sure none of the interviewers will be rushing for an answer. While your answering your questions, do not think that the interviewer is your worst enemy. Make friends, be pleasant, have energy and show you care about the organization.

Be Confident

I am not in any way trying to say that you should never feel nervous. I am nervous heading into the interview because you really do not know what to expect. However, it should never be the case your nervousness takes the best of you. Your nervousness should never have you crippled, not being able to come across as the confident, charming personality and wonderful person you are. This will take time, the more you get out there and express yourself and feel confident in your skin the easier this process will become.

You’re on the Internet

As an individual who is on the internet everyday, I can’t seem to ignore the fact that most people nowadays are determined in their life to be popular. We are obsessed with how celebrities live, being popular, always having eyes on us. This constant crave has caused the popularity of websites such as www.facebook.com and www.twitter.com to skyrocket. The desire to constantly have people around the world following us and keeping a tab on our lives is attractive to some. Thus, making some people popular without a real purpose or background.

The growth of technological gadgets has also taken off with everyone having a recorder or the ability to take pictures. These are on the many gadgets we use on a daily basis. Whether it is on our phones, or by itself we are constantly recording our lives. Although recording events may not be a bad thing, having moments recorded can come back to haunt us in the future. We have seen this on many occasions where persons record private moments in relationships or even solo. To make this worse somehow these moments never remain in the dark they always come to light. Nothing is wrong with recording these moments, some people believe in having a record but being very careful is very critical. Sometimes people enter relationships and things happen we record the intimate moments and then in the future it comes to light with some embarrassing a partner.

The next time you check your inbox, you may get an email from someone sending a link to a story of someone being disgraced on the internet. The world is very open with persons internationally able to see what you might not want them to see. This is such a risk. I am sure you have ‘googled’ yourself.

Things will forever advance, next year this time www.twitter.com or even the top social networking sites will be history; something new will come along and grab our attention. Can we ever ignore higher technologies or stop recording ourselves. The constant love of being in the spotlight may not end this drive to be in a still image or being video taped.

The internet is a good tool, very educational, very entertaining but it could also be our biggest nightmare when something hits the internet that we really didn’t intend to. The next time you take a picture or even record yourself, are you thinking of the risks?

United Airlines and Quality Customer Service

Businesses more than ever are ensuring that their front line employees are delivering the best customer service possible. However, things do not happen the way they ought to. Recently, on an United Airline flight a customer’s luggage, a guitar was severely damaged. After the matter was reported to the respective company personnel, the conclusion was that the guitar would not be replaced or repaired.

What did the customer do? The customer, a recording artiste became the company’s worst nightmare. He recorded a song and uploaded it to the popular video website www.youtube.com. Clearly, after this, the message was delivered to United Airlines and the company rushed to remedy the situation which will be causing the company a great deal in bad public relations.

There is a saying that any publicity is good publicity. However, I would have to disagree with this statement.

Global companies such as Ritz Carlton are leaders in customer service delivery. Employees are trained to deliver the best quality service possible. In business school students are taught of the Ritz Carlton Creed which all employees at that hotel have to walk around with and they must at all times be able to recite the entire creed. This company fully understands how important its customers are and are willing to invest in training and ensuring that employees are able to handle situations as they arise.

United Airline’s management should take a look at the model at Ritz Carlton and ensure that this bad situation which is encountered by thousands of other customers never happens again.

Bad word of mouth accounts can ruin the service quality for any company. Imagine this video is seen by millions of potential customers around the world and these millions forward this video which is entirely possible to other millions of potential customers. This is a nightmare and a horrible situation for any company to be in. Thus, the importance of training employees to handle situations such as this is imperative and should be enforced.

The owner of the guitar reported this issue to flight attendants who showed no interest in the matter. Clearly they have heard many reports such as this before. Flight attendants in this situation should be able to comfort travellers in this situation even if it is the fact that employees regularly damage client’s property.

In concluding, companies should learn from this mistake. The world is open more than ever and the moment a customer is upset with the service delivery millions of potential customers are privy to this information. This could potentially lead customers away from the company if this matter resonates with more customers. Companies should seek to train and ensure that front line employees deliver the best service possible. The customer is always king.

Michael Jackson – Misunderstood

With the recent death of Michael Jackson I am learning more about the individual he was. Born into a talent rich family the Jacksons he was destined for greatness. But with this status came many controversies that made MJ very stressful later on in life, some saying it may even have led to his death.

He was a major star, with many hits from his various albums produced.

I have sat down to watch some interviews he did and found myself amazed at how misunderstood this man was for the vast majority. His controversial court cases rocked his career for the worst making him an enemy and a paedophile. Even after his name was cleared by the court the accusations still follow him like a legacy.

His soft demeanour could be heard in his music. MJ was deeply concerned with his image. Close friends relate that he was a perfectionist taking years to produce an album and investing more than enough in music videos. The quality of his music speaks profoundly about the great artiste he was investing time and money in what he produced.

Although he is no longer with us, I can appreciate the media coverage journalists are providing giving an insight into his dark life. His music will forever live on. Michael Jackson remains the king of pop, a true icon.

Even those who hate MJ will agree with him on this point, he loved helping people. If this world would only love a little bit more the world would be a better place. Michael Jackson is a celebrity whom we have come to know from a distance. In an interview he claimed the song ‘Childhood’ was the autobiographical song of his career. If you really want to know this man listen this song, it may change your mind.

The outpouring of love from around the world shows the impact this man had on the people that enjoyed his music. Even now those who did not like his actions will come to realize this man is a real legend, a real icon, the king of Pop. Michael Jackson took the internet with him in his death. That’s the power he had.

Corve DaCosta

Acing that Job Interview

After leaving university graduates are normally on edge waiting for that faithful call to invite them to an interview. I was interviewed for a job recently and it went well. I was further invited for a second interview, which I was thrilled about.

But, there are certain tips that any interviewee can use to help them ace their interviews. Below I will mention some tips that individuals may use to be successful.

Research

Companies want to know that you know the relevant information about the company. This shows your interest and also proves the fact that you did prior preparations. In the interview I was not asked about specific details as to what areas the company operated in but with my answers to different questions I highlighted the different areas the company focused on and this will prove you clearly know the company’s operations.

Be Relaxed

Being nervous in an interview is most times inevitable. However, practice mock interviews with friends or in mirror to get you acquainted with responding to the interview questions. We are in 2009 and information is at your fingertips. Check videos on tips on answering interview questions at www.youtube.com and www.google.com. It is important to add your own dynamic to the answers to make them your own but it helps for interviewees to have an idea of how to respond to a question. Ensure you communicate well, this will show you are able to bring across your points clearly.

For example: When the interviewer says ‘tell me about yourself’, it is not the time to mention what are your likes and dislikes.

Be inspiring

Job interviews can be dreadful so ensure the panel is interested in you. You can achieve this by being charismatic, cheerful, emotive and inspiring. Therefore, show interest in the position and show them that ‘wow-factor’. If you studied Marketing, Customer Service, Sales, Insurance this should not be difficult.

Punctuality

There is no given rule on how many minutes you should arrive before an interview. I would advise applicants to arrive at the establishment at least 20 minutes before your interview is slated to begin. Punctuality shows your employer great business skill and your respect for time.

Dress Code

Depending on the job you are applying for will determine in some way how formal you will be dressed. For middle to upper management a suit in my view is a must. For entry level employment your attire (shirt, tie, pants – for men) will be accepted. Dressing professionally for any interview is critical, first impressions typically last and you will want to introduce your best image to the panel.

Non Verbal Communication

When at the business location please note that you are judged the moment you step in. Please show respect to the receptionist, and any other employee you encounter. When I arrived at the business place I greeted the receptionist even other interviewees in the lobby area. You never know who is sitting where and who is watching. More than ever companies are equipped with CCTV cameras so be very careful. In the interview remain focused, keep eye-contact and have an interest in what you are doing.

An interview is the closest you will ever get to the actual job. You will have one moment to show the panel interviewing you that employing you will make their company so much better affecting its bottom line – profits. I hope the tips offered above will make you more prepared. I followed those tips and I was granted a second interview.

Now it is on to the second!

Corve DaCosta

Education in Jamaica

Recently Education Minister Andrew Holness has made the news on many occasions whether it be grading primary school principals or expressing what he really thinks about the GSAT examination. Andrew Holness has not been forceful in his capacity and also has not led in the right areas as the Minister of Education.

When in opposition Holness served as Opposition Minister of Education which would have given him adequate knowledge of the inefficiencies within the ministry and would have provided him with a working framework to change policies. What have we seen of this Minister? Holness appears in the news blaming everyone else but himself for not leading to eradicating the inequity and changing policies at his ministry. We owe it to the younger generation to develop an education system that is fair and one that will provide them with the best education to make them productive for this rapidly changing world.

Clearly, there are problems with the curriculum of the GSAT examination which must be fixed. Annually, we complain of how stressful the curriculum is, and the many faults the exam has where students at grade six are judged on topics that will be covered at higher levels. Next year around this time we will still be discussing the faults within the examination. Are we seeing a cycle here?

Blaming teachers’ colleges for accepting teachers that are not up to par cannot be accepted. Holness has the power to influence teachers’ colleges to improve on their standards to benefit the education product.

I am frustrated with Holness pushing the blame around highlighting the facts we already know. Holness should stand firm and effect the changes that ought to be made to make our education system improve giving our children the best opportunities. Next year at this time we should be stating that requirements at the teachers’ colleges were improved upon; changes to the curriculum were implemented making the exam relevant for grade six students; the ratio between teacher and students were reduced among other things.

When are we going to get serious and hold Andrew Holness accountable for the shortfalls in the education ministry? After all, he is responsible.