Wake-up, Study, Sleep (then repeat)

“I'm going to be honest with you, I'm not here to baby you or make you feel at home! I want you to feel pain... I want you to get angry... Over the next ten weeks, me and my fellow Drill Instructors are going to make this the most miserable stretch of your life,” Senior Drill Instructor SSgt Doyle bellowed out to me and my class of 92 other 2nd week recruits as he paced back and forth across in our barracks. Over the next ten weeks he did just that!  I remember many a day sitting in push-up position for what seemed like hours underneath the intense Southern California sun.  Muscles completely gassed and sweat and mental exhaustion tearing down my face. I thought I'd never make it!  One thing that I always remember one of my Drill Instructors (Sgt. Roe) always saying as he yelled and screamed at me to run faster, shoot sharper, or move quicker was that "I might give up on myself, but he would NEVER give up on me!"  True to form, I probably gave up 2 or 3 times over the course of those 13 weeks of boot camp, but Sgt Roe always came and got me and screamed me back into a state of "finish the task at hand".

He would walk over to where I was at, and say, “I am going to push you to your absolute limits, Clement. I am going to test your physical stamina in ways you can’t possibly imagine. This is nothing! Wait til I take your food, your sleep, and probably whatever else you might think you deserve. But, I won't let you quit!  You will learn to adapt and overcome.  There is no quitting! If you have the extreme honor of graduating from this school you will be ready; ready to hunt men on the battlefield.”

Looking at my Consortium classmates here at the University of Wisconsin in Madison.  Of the thirteen beginning this class with me, every one of them had overcome many obstacles and defied extreme odds in some regards to be considered for this level of schooling.  Some came from prestigious schools like Cornell and others came from small Liberal Arts schools that didn't have much recognition. Some were math majors, but many were from nontraditional backgrounds that wouldn't suggest that business school is right for them.  All were decorated with success at their respected levels.

That's why I am so proud of all of them, because they held fast to their aspirations and saw this journey to the end.  Over these two years, there were many times where all of us felt like quitting at some point.  These challenges are often spoken about in many scholarly articles and news columns.  However, having a determined mindset is key (This TOO is often written about in scholarly articles)!  My program at the Wisconsin School of Business really stretched me in ways that I didn't think was possible.  However, as I prepare to leave here, I feel that I am prepared mentally and emotionally to deal with whatever situations come my way.  Most importantly, I am prepared for success in my next challenge and opportunity.

My words of advice to future and current business school students is to have enduring preparation and wherewithal is the key to any long-term success for any future business leader. Stretching yourself beyond your physical and mental limitations makes one stronger, more resilient, and more apt to succeed.  Good luck to my fellow classmates of 2013 and good luck to the 2014 class on their way to their summer internships! "On Wisconsin!"

Perhaps the best part about being in the Wisconsin School of Business at the University of Wisconsin-Madison is that I'm constantly learning. Everyday I'm learning about business, the world, and learning about myself!  I have the extraordinary opportunity to interact with fascinating people — and get to ask them all kinds of provocative questions. I love it because I'm curious — I always have been. In fact, I'd say a thirst for knowledge may be the most important part of being successful at a top MBA program.

But, it's not just curiosity that will lead you to success in business school. I learned early in my first year that if I was going to make it out of this program I needed to develop a thick skin. Teflon-like, really. Because, you're dealing with a culture of highly opinionated, extremely competitive, A-type personalities, who all have an opinion ... on my lack of hair, my clothes, the comments I made in class, what I do out of class, you name it-- they probably have something to say about it.

Bottom-line: as a underrepresented minority in a top MBA program, you have to be willing to deal with a lot of nonsense. The only way to handle it is to know exactly who you are, and remember, the noise is just that-- noise!

Marketers know that a brand’s identity is sometimes just as important as the product. But what happens when the brand’s enduring mantra is no longer what’s in vogue? In a recent campaign launch, Domino’s negated its well-known 30-minutes or less pledge that it’s held since the 90s, and have opted instead to promote slower preparation and delivery time. By marketing the slowdown, Domino’s is going against the grain of many popular quick-service chains that boast speed as a defining service factor.

Why the sudden change?

Well, because consumers have made it clear that they want to know whats in their food and they are looking for things that are fresh and appear to be more natural and healthy to consume.  This is putting a bend on companies like Frito Lay, Yum Brands and McDonald's, who (historically) manufacture products and services that have been good to the taste-- but, bad to the "waist line".  For Domino’s, the challenge was shifting consumer perception from a budget-friendly product with speedy delivery to a more premium product, such as its pan pizza, prepared with quality ingredients by skillful employees.

This is similar to Taco Bell's advertisements earlier in the 2013 year that highlighted Chef Lorena Garcia, who goes into great detail about the ingredients and the freshness of the Taco Bell cantina bowls (See Link below). 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z_XEqzVKYlz

Now, the taco seller is Yum’s fastest-growing brand in the U.S. and has pushed other fast food chains like Pizza Hut, Dominoes, and Papa John's into a deep pricing war to sell pies as low as $7.99.  How does each differentiate themselves from the next is the battle we are seeing played out here. Well, if you're Domino's, you start by boasting the positive effects of a slower delivery time and describing the craftsmanship involved in creating a Domino’s pan pizza unlike your competitors. More than that, the campaign allows Domino’s to compete with fast-casual chains that promote made-from-scratch quality products at a higher price point, such as Taco Bell and McDonald's.

Another way you differentiate yourselves is by seeking ways to brand yourself with tried and true brands that are beloved by most of your consumer base.  Entertainers, music, and sports have always been regarded as good tools for branding, but Domino's is trying something different with its latest promotion:

Domino's has partnered with the MLB and MLB.TV to establish the #DominoNo.  Essentially, it works like this: The first 10K MLB.TV subscribers to register at the website for the cable service after the first two no-hitters of the baseball season, will then be sent a code for a free medium pizza from Domino's.

You confused?

Me too!

While I like the idea and the concept, it seems as though this would have been a better promotion for Domino's if this was extended throughout the regular season, as last year there were only 7 no-hitters during the entire season.  Papa Johns is giving away 1 million pizzas during the football season and it has drastically improved their visibility and brand mantra in the minds of consumers (i.e.- "Better pizza, Better ingredients...").  70,000 pizzas couldn't possibly hurt their bottom line if Papa's is able to do 1 million.  Secondly, MLB.TV has been a huge success for the MLB and has expanded the product worldwide since its conception in 2003.  What started as 30K subscribers, has now shifted to almost 3.7 million subscribers as of last year.  These numbers can only be viewed as increasing going forward with the growing number of fantasy baseball participants and the emerging countries love for westernized sports and entertainment.  Domino's could do more than just this quick and seemingly short-sighted promotion and look to become the official provider of pizzas for the MLB, which seems to be a far better and advantageous partnership, than this promotion that could potentially be done before the end of May!?  Last year, the first & second no-hitter was thrown on May 3rd and May 7th, respectfully. I think this was a waste of advertising spend, even if we are to estimate that this would cost the company $100K ($80K in pizzas; $20K in advertisement).  I think the bigger loss was the opportunity to seize upon a bigger promotion and partnership with one of the premiere organizations in the world.  Why not just extend the promotion through the entire season?  If not that, why not put the promotion with a major league team and reach for a bigger deal with the MLB?  Idea just seems not very thought out.

The Harlem Shake meme, a phenom that is working its way through every form of social media via YouTube, can teach us something about "what a brand is" and just how powerful a grassroot social campaign can be when it is happening "in the moment".

This "being in the moment" for people is found in every corner of our lives from finance to politics to entertainment. And the meme, whether it be an image plastered with ironic type, an animated gif or, as in Harlem Shake, a short video, is the perfect cultural expression of just that. We don’t have time for the historical context of something—just give me the 30-second video!

The Harlem Shake meme has a simple form: with the first 30-seconds of the song “Harlem Shake” by the DJ and producer Baauer in the background, a single person does something in the presence of others (who act as if nothing is happening,) and then all of a sudden everyone is doing something together. The sound snippet is divided equally between the electronic tropes of the “build up,” and the “bass drop,” and the juncture between the two is punctuated by a deep, pitch-shifted voice commanding, “Do the Harlem Shake.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vJiSSAMNWw

Unlike the video response parodies for Gangnam Style, Call Me Maybe or Somebody That I Used To Know, making a Harlem Shake requires very little preparation. This is not only because of the short duration, but also because the “something” that “happens” doesn’t matter. It could be anything. One person does something, than everyone does something, and not even the same something! (And it certainly has nothing to do with Harlem, or the original hip hop street dance moves, either!)

Essentially, what we can pull from this is that even though the Harlem Shake Dance itself was created some 30 years ago in the streets of Harlem and further made mainstream with the help of P. Diddy and Bad Boy Entertainment (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XSdI-Aw50QU), people can take something "old" and make it new again.  This is no different than the resurface of some of the fashions that you see now (i.e.- emergence of the hi-top fade, loud colors in clothing, etc.).  Taking the name and concept and making it into their own shouldn't be considered a disrespect, but more of a homage.  At home, in a restaurant, at work, at the theater, even at the dentist, people will have conversations about the dance.  This is no different than how people look at various brands, products or people and speak about what they mean to them. In these instances, something said that is interesting, appealing, controversial or particularly lucid will travel from group to group, making its way through the populace. In this case, we are talking about "Harlem Shake". This spread of fact, fiction and sentiment is something that historically took time, but with the Internet this is now rapid and has permanence in a way that voice alone does not. Like brands, companies should allow for consumers to adopt and use their brands as they see fit and not try to fit their perception of what their brand is on everyone else.  We are seeing the revival of a dance/concept that started 30-some-odd years ago in the urban streets of New York City being discussed and talked about in a new and fresh way today.  That's amazing and interesting all on its own right!  The same can be said about brands like Arm & Hammer's baking soda since its conception nearly 150 years ago.  Or, when we look at Clorox's use of bleach in its products and how that has adapted with how people actually used it in their home.  If both of these companies were to hold fast to the original intent of their product line, they might not be in business today.

As much as some "Harlem Shake Purists" would like for people to understand the historical and contextual premise of the famed dance,  the impatience of our "in the moment" society and the desire for everything to just "get to the point", changes the way we get to understand an idea. Doesn't necessarily make in wrong. Like a fractal, you can “get the picture,” at any point. And Baauer’s song is just that way. Undoubtedly Harlem Shake has sold a bunch of downloads since the meme took off, but most people have only heard the first 30 seconds, and the rest of the tune adds no significant development (it kinda sucks, if you ask me). Once you get it, that’s all there is.

And yet, there are now thousands of versions of the video done by college kids (and now high school kids), sports teams, military units, ad agencies and grandmothers. YouTube has a trends playlist of the top 16 which, all told, have been viewed more than 110 million times. The best and most original of them was by the University of Georgia Men’s Swim & Dive team, which has been seen almost 30 million times.

And, although there is an original video, even that is a copy of a video posted a few days earlier that originated some, but not all, of the elements of the archetypal form. So, in the spirit of truly inscrutable media theory, the Harlem Shake is a copy with no original! There is no original video by the musical artist Baauer to refer back to. We’re just in a "in the moment" cloud of self-reference.

And since the phenomenon began, people have been calling for its death! We watch these videos in order to be able to say that we saw them before the whole thing over-leveraged itself and collapsed under its own weightlessness!

Hi, All!

Man? I’m excited to say that I’ve finally decided on where I will be “taking my talents” (Haha!) post-graduate school this coming May.  It really was a tough task in going through all the different companies that I interviewed with last semester and making the best choice for the start of my new career.  That being said…

… I am proud to announce that I will be heading back to Seattle, WA and working with the fantastic partners at Starbucks Coffee Company.

Here’s something else that you might find interesting, but over the Christmas break, I thought it would be a good idea to get store experience so that I have a better understanding of not only the company and it’s product.  I also think this will give me better insight into where there might be areas of opportunity to improve operations and also to have a better understanding of some of the challenges the stores face on a day-to-day basis.  So, starting today, I will be working as a barista at the Starbucks store on my campus here at Wisconsin School of Business! I think it will be fun and insightful.  Not to mention, something interesting to write about in this last semester of business school.  Check back here if interested. All in all, I am just excited about the opportunity and looking forward to the chance to work with a fantastic brand, extremely bright partners, and fantastic leaders. God is truly awesome!  Can’t say that enough. “Thank you” to all of you who have supported me throughout these past two years. I definitely appreciated your encouragement and support. One more semester! *crossing fingers*

Final Note: Check out my past summer at THE Coffee Company HERE: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xnHeu0aK3Eg&list=PL4DD39D3B9D8389D3&index=1

I was having a bit of trouble determining just what I should name this blog post, given my love for the Starbucks brand and all that it tries to embody, so forgive me if this misses the mark slightly.  However, I think you get where I am going... ... It always disturbs me when I hear people say, "I hate Starbucks coffee!" and you ask them why and their response is something like, "they are destroying the globe" or that "they do not know what good coffee is".

While I can admit that there are a numerous number of small independently ran coffee roasters nationwide who do an amazing job of making a fresh cup of coffee, I do not think we would even be having the conversation of what a "good cup of coffee is" without Schultz and his team at Starbucks. Starbucks exported beans and brews, wrapping it all in a cool, earth-toned vision of Pacific Northwest life that may or may not have reflected reality at the time.  However, it gave people a benchmark as to what it should resemble.

Last year, Tully’s, which expanded to about 200 stores at its peak (mostly on the West Coast) filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection and closed many of its shops as it began dealing with rising costs, poor real estate decisions, relentless competition from Starbucks and other large competitors, and perhaps the harsh reality that there is a certain degree of luxury to the cup of coffee that they have not captured.

Every time I see a new, independent coffee store opt for outfacing window seating, so one can sip a latte and watch the world go by, the store owes a debt to Starbucks and its origins in Seattle.

Starbucks has probably improved your coffee-drinking life even if you never step foot inside a Starbucks shop. What chains do is set a floor for standards beneath which it is not wise to fall. I wouldn't dare say that Starbucks produces "the best cup of coffee in the world" (most partners at Starbucks would agree), but if you’re comparing a cup of coffee to THE Coffee Company's roast, you better offer something better than they can provide.

The reason Starbucks and other chains have made less impact in, say, Italy or the Netherlands is that these countries have always enjoyed a great cup of coffee.  In fact, Howard's obsession with the barista comes from Italy. the United States? Before 1970's? Well, not so much.

Those wealthy consumers who deplore Starbucks and want to stick to their single-tree sourced, Ethiopian high-roast or other comparably trendy, exotic and fussy brews are entitled to their prejudices. But they might at least recall that Starbucks created the market in which they can parade their biases.

If you are a second year MBA, this is probably not news to you.  However, if you are a 1st year MBA, let me fill you in on a few things about that internship you are about to walk into.  Here... ... Move closer to your screen...

<<whispers>>... That summer internship you are going to is really a two-month interview to determine if you are a good fit for them and if that merits a full-time job offer.

Yep!  There will be eyes all over you this summer.  But, don't let that intimidate you, because you should be doing the same thing.  If you complete your summer internship without: 1.) gaining new skills 2.) developing a list of new contacts, professional relationships, and mentors, then you really need to question what more than a paycheck you gained this past summer.  Everything you are learning over the course of these next two years is to prepare you for the NEXT opportunity-- including your summer internship.

I will admit that I was definitely nervous going into my internship.  this past summer I had the distinct pleasure of being apart of Starbucks Coffee Company's first MBA Internship Class. I thought that I needed to have mastered everything that I had learned in my first year, know everything about the industry that I was entering (i.e.- retail, coffee), and have the answers to everything that was put in front of me.  That really had me shook!  In the end, I learned that this was not the case.

However, like any opportunity, there are some pitfalls. Things that can sabotage your chances of a future with the employer are shockingly easy to make. Here are some things that I would encourage you to keep in the back of your mind as you enter into the work place for a couple months.

1.) Can you Party too Hard?

Here's a shocker: Not every business school in the US is like the Wisconsin School of Business.  I think we do a good job of holding the reputation of being a "active and social" (read between the lines) school on the greater University of Wisconsin campus. You will learn that this will be one of the first things stated to you when you engage in a conversation (i.e.-"You're a Badger? You guys have a great time on that campus!").  However, you don't have to play into this stereo-type. Avoid excessive drinking and any inappropriate behavior or conversations while in formal settings.  This behavior is ok for the undergrads that will be interning with the company, but not for a MBA.

2.) Asking for Feedback is a Plus!

An MBA that I worked with over the summer from another program made the mistake of jumping into a project without asking for guidance or necessarily how the manager wanted to see this project play out.  Her thoughts were that she had done this type of project many times in her prior career before going back to school. When it came time for her to make the presentation, her manager was disappointed because it wasn’t what she was looking for. Constantly seek feedback and suggestions from your manager and the people on their team. Even if you feel that you have a better way to do the project, convey that idea to the people within your immediate working environment.  Also, I would suggest asking for a midpoint evaluation if one is not offered. This is an opportunity to gauge how you are doing and for managers to steer you in the right direction if you are slightly missing the mark.

3.) Vocalize your Accomplishments!

Over the summer you should be a walking "status update".  As I told other MBAs who were interning with me this summer, "if I don't toot my horn-- who else will??"  Keep track of your accomplishments throughout the summer, especially if you are working with people outside your department, because your manager might not be aware of all you are doing. I did several different things:

Blogged my summer and attached the blog link to my email signature.

Posted a project status timeline on on desk for all to see.

Emailed my manager a status update at the end of the week.

4.) Offer to Help on Things Outside of your Project.

If you are bored at your internship, that is your fault. What you should be doing instead is asking how you can contribute further. Ask people—even those outside their department—if they could use a hand, especially if they are working on things that interest you. I worked on an earning call for the company, because I am interested in Investor Relations.  I also worked on some HR efforts for the company throughout the summer.  These are things that weren't on my assignment list for the summer, but definitely gave me great exposure and insight into the company.  Remember: "If there isn't anything for you to do, then why do they need you next May?"

5.) Ignoring the Cultural Norms

Every employer has its culture, which includes a certain set of acceptable behaviors. What time does everyone arrive and leave? When do people go to lunch? Do people wear suits everyday?  The first week should be about observing and trying to fit in as best you can.  

6.) Network, and then network some more!

If you aren't networking through this summer-- you're wrong.  There should always be an opportunity to look to learn about what someone is doing at the company. Why? Because, there is a possibility that the opportunity might not be in that department/team when you return after graduation.  Plus, they aren't bringing you to be in that position longer than 2 years.  You are an MBA from a top MBA program. That means you are on a rising trajectory and they will be looking for you to elevate quickly.  They might even want you to rotate through other teams.  this means you will be working for other Directors.  Learn people's name, interests, backgrounds, and experiences.  It's to your benefit.

Also, connect with everyone you encounter through LinkedIn!  That is very important!  LinkedIn is the Facebook to your professional development.  It lets people see where you are going and easily stay in touch with you after the internship is done.

Quick story: I used to see this lady who was apart of the cleaning service for the building about once a day.  She had family in Chicago and had moved many years ago with her family because her husband found an opportunity with a company in the area.  I would stop and talk to her about my internship and my summer experience.  She found it interesting to listen to what new things I was experiencing while there.  Listening to me describe my day-to-day shed a new light on a city that she had lived in for years.  My point in telling you this was that towards the end of my internship, the Sr. VP had noticed our conversations and made note of this in a closing presentation with other interns and employees within the company. His words were that every person in the building plays a intricate part in making the company go and that you don't know the impact that brief conversation might have on someone.  Being a solid networker extends beyond just the people you encounter everyday.

7.) Enjoy the City!

Make sure you get out and explore the city beyond just the bars, restaurants, and clubs. Think of this as also an attempt to learn more about the city you possibly might be moving to after graduation.  That means doing some of the "touristy" things within the city.  Also, you might want to consider neighborhoods you would like to live in if you were offered the opportunity to return.

8.) Be Yourself!

Don't say, act, or do anything that is not you!  You want your manager and the company to allow you to bring your whole self to work (give or take a little of the "whole you", of course).  If you are a joke teller, then (with the most tact) do so.  If you like to ask a lot of questions, then you should do so.  If you are unable to be yourself during the internship, then I would suggest you don't try to compensate by being something you are not.  Again, this is feeling out process for both you and the company.  Happiness in your job is a part of the reason why most of us came back to school, no?

That being said... 9.) Don't be too casual!

Make sure that you are being thoughtful in how you are engaging your manager and all other employees.  Professionalism is always held at a premium, but understanding how to engage others without losing who you are is an art.  You certainly don't want to lose out on an an opportunity by being too lackadaisical in your manner.

10.) Find a Mentor.

Building relationships and cultivating champions who can fight for you to get hired is key.  Identify someone whom you trust and admire and ask if they would like to mentor you and provide feedback.  Some companies provide this at the offset of the internship, but if not, look for someone you can have fulfill this role.  It's key!

Looking back over my life, I can certainly say that I was not born with a "silver spoon in my mouth".  One thing I know I was blessed with was being surrounded by great people.  From a determined and patient mother all the way to my good brothers in the Bond of Kappa Alpha Psi. I have also been blessed with some great mentors. They are smart, experienced, and always had my best interests at heart. I believe that we pull some of our style, values, and charisma from these mentors that we encounter throughout our lives.

One of these people is my good friend Robin Kelly, who is currently running a hard fought contest for the vacated congressional seat in the 2nd Congressional District.  I've known Robin since I returned from active duty in the United States Marine Corp and has been a confident of mine for more than 10 years now.  I met Robin as a student body President at Prairie State College in Chicago Heights, IL.  I held a community reading week at the college and invited all local leaders from the business community and political arena to come out and celebrate the start of the week with us.  Very few outside people attended the start of our week, but Robin was there and brought one of her favorite books "Oh, the Places You'll Go" by Dr. Suess.  After meeting Robin, I was afforded the opportunity to intern with her while finishing my undergraduate degree in Springfield, IL working on several different initiatives; including-- domestic violence legislation, affordable housing, and business tax credit initiatives.

But, also while working with Robin, I was able to learn about leadership beyond being the strongest, most intelligent, or skilled.  I learned that effective communication is just as important. That's what leaders do. They communicate to people why they should work together, to achieve more than they ever thought they could, to reach for apparently impossible goals, to put personal interests aside (at least temporarily) in favor of some larger group purpose.

Here are a few things that Robin has shown me that I use in my career and personal life today:

1. Listen Well

The best leaders ask lots of questions. They gather as much information as possible before making a decision. I remember over this summer in my dealings on my internship or when I was working with potential MBA Candidates for my Fellowship.  When I was given a task or a dilemma that required a decisive decision, the questioning clarified my thoughts or the person who asked me a question.  By fleshing out the project through lots of questions, I knew the what the business leader was expecting from me and how to go about doing it.  Also, when I worked with some of my students in past roles or potential MBA candidates, I felt that walking them through the choices to a course of action that was completely their own was a better method than just giving them an answer.

2. Guide, Don’t Do

Robin might have recommended I contact someone, look into a certain subject, visit a restaurant or change a course of action–but she did not make the call for me, send the subject matter to me, or dictate a change of course. All of that was on me.

From time to time I am asked by people to “be my mentor" (crazy, right?) The first thing that I do is ask them what they want, how success will be measured and why you chose me rather than someone else.  And instead of telling me right then and there, I tell them to arrange a time where we can meet and discuss.

The interesting thing: Very, very few ever do that. Why? They thought that “getting a mentor” was an easy way to have a senior person start working for them.

I guess what I learned to be a dream seeker and take action!  Don't wait for someone else to do it.  Which leads me to my last point...

3. Focus on Action

Take action. Every time we talked about an issue or considered a plan, Robin wanted to know the action that I was going to take–and how soon. Who has time to coach and develop people who will not do something that is in their own best interest?

I've had about a year of working with LinkedIn to expand my network.  And, while I won't lie to you and say that LinkedIn is a better alternative than good ol fashion face-to-face interactions, LinkedIn is good for meeting people who potentially might be in an area you might be considering transitioning to, staying in contact with people you have met, and keeping up with professionals in your related field.

One of the things I think we all have experienced frustration from is sending out a LinkedIn connection invitation and getting ignored. Even though I consider this bad LinkedIn etiquette (as the purpose of LinkedIn is to network and connect with like-minded individuals OUTSIDE of your immediate circle), I can understand the hesitancy of individuals when you see a request from someone who you do not know and you do not know if there is value in allowing into your network.

I have developed a better way to send out LinkedIn requests and I'd like to share with you.

Step 1: Search for Related People

No, that does not mean people you already know and go to school or work with. I mean people related to your field of interest. Use LinkedIn’s people search with targeted Keywords. If you are a Finance professional, search in keywords for "Finance".  If you are looking to get into the HR field, then search "Talent Recruiting" or "HR Recruiting".  This also is a good way to find recruiters for preferred companies that are on your radar.  Search "Talent Recruiting for XYZ Company" and this should pull up people who might help you in your search for entry into that company.

Step 2: Be Totally Transparent

Too many people simply send off a LinkedIn invitation without personalizing it. This is what leads to probably about 75% of rejections in LinkedIn requests.  Some might say, "well, if I send a request saying I am looking to learn more about opportunities with XYZ Company, I will be dismissed to!?"  I disagree!  Talent Recruiters are ALWAYS on the hunt for top talent!  Being a talent recruiter is a very tough task and requires lots of patience and searching.  I would imagine that their eyes would immediately light up if they received an invite request saying:

"I am a sales professional with 6 years experience looking for a challenging and rewarding experience with your company.  Could you help me?"

When you send your invitation, LinkedIn asks you how you know this person. Pick “friend”, even if you don’t know them.

Make it clear why you want to connect.

Step 3: Begin On Common Ground

When you go to the person's page, see if you notice anything in common with this person, be sure to mention it right away in your invitation.

If you have a mutual connection, say “We have a mutual friend in (someone’s name).”

If you have a school in common, or anything else, mention it.  These things are good introduction openers.

Bonus Tip: Leverage Your New Connection

When they accept your invite and it shows in your email. Follow up with this easy text:

Thank you so much for accepting my LinkedIn Profile invite. I would be interested in obtaining any suggestions or contacts that you think would be in line with my background and work experience.

Notice these 2 things with this note:

A. Beginning with "thank you". B. Asking for suggestions or contacts.

End of 1st semester of my 2nd year was a BLUR!  Not only was I juggling classes and class projects, but I also was interviewing and doing career fairs in Chicago and Indianapolis.  While times were pretty hectic, I did meet some great people along the way from a variety of companies and schools and to me that was an invaluable opportunity that one does not get a chance to do everyday.  One of the other things that I am extremely proud of was competing in the 2012 Sony Corporation Strategy Case Competition this past November, which took place in San Diego, CA.  It was a great opportunity and really tested what I learned over the course of this past year with MBAs from other schools.

First, I must mention that I did sign an NDA and therefore will not disclose any details about the case itself, but I will share my thoughts on the experience.

The competition was a high-caliber study amongst MBA students from all over the US. I learned about the opportunity from an email sent to me by the MBA Veterans group out of my hometown of Chicago, IL.  I was very attracted to the uniqueness of the competition based on the fact that I would apply as an individual and be paired randomly with students from other schools if I was accepted. Plus, I wanted to have a couple case competitions under my belt as senior management at my summer internship all raved about their case competition experiences during their MBA trek, and I wanted to have those same experiences.

The beauty of the competition was that not only are you figuring out recommendations for a very complex case but also going through the quick group accustoming process all within less than 8 hours (sort of like consulting). This is an area where I felt I needed more experience in.

When I arrived in San Diego, I was quickly reminded how much I missed the Southern California area.  I spent nearly two years of my life there through travels and the United States Marine Corp.  I really love San Diego and could easily see myself living there at some point of my life.  Once I got to the hotel, I quickly unpacked my things and started going through my financials and investor reports on Sony and the electronic industry to make sure I was familiar with whatever question they were looking for us to tackle the next day.  I then went to sleep rather early as to ward off any effects of jet lag or fatigue from the class week back in Wisconsin. 

The next day, we were shuttled from the hotel (where all the MBA competitors were being housed) to Sony HQ outside of San Diego.  The building is amazing and showcases a lot of the history of the company right when you walk inside the door.  While I was on the bus, I made myself familiar with as  many of the people on board as possible.  There were people from all different schools and backgrounds.  From Ivy league schools all the way to local schools like Rady School of Management in the San Diego, CA area.  Ironically, one of my Consortium cohorts from the University of Michigan was also participating in the competition.  It was good to see a familiar face.  One of the things I love to do is meet and connect with new people.  This competition, not only was going to give me the opportunity to employ my skills from this past semester, but also a great opportunity to make connections with other extremely bright MBAs.  Although it was an extremely fast and short weekend, I am confident that I now have added value to my network.

The team at Sony was very impressive and made sure to show all 40 students a good time. Every one of them was very friendly and welcoming. Several of the students from Wisconsin MBA were now members of the Sony team in some capacity.  All came from the case competition.  There was also several Consortium alums in their ranks, including their Sr. Director of Talent Recruiting, who after a few conversations I learned has worked in numerous fields within HR and was extremely bright and accomplished.

The Sony team also made sure that no contestant walked away empty handed as every student brought home a Sony git bag with a few goodies placed within it.

After an introduction to Sony and a quick introduction to our teams, we were whisked away to begin working on our recommendation for the question being posed to each of the 10 different teams.   The rooms were filled with all of the essentials one may need to complete the project, including a HUGE white board space. 

I love white boards!

All in all, it was a tremendous experience.  Not only did I get to work on a project that Sony was considering implementing, but I got a chance to learn about a company that I had very insights on initially.  It seems like a great place to work and who could argue with "Southern Californian weather" (They say it never rains there)!?

My team and I placed 2nd in the competition and definitely made a lasting impression on the company.  We also had a post celebration dinner/award ceremony at an authentic Mexican restaurant in downtown San Diego (another thing I miss about San Diego).  It was a great time. 

Here is my team posing with our Publisher Clearinghouse phony check!  Haha!

With the closing of the new year upon us, the Mayan Prophecy in the rear view, and the "next chapter" of my life approaching quickly, I thought I would reflect upon things that I wish I could have told the twenty-one year-old me (assuming I would have listened) if I had the chance to do so.  Here is my list:

The people who say the least have the most to say. Bragging is a mask for insecurity. Truly confident people are quiet and unassuming. Hang around them. When they do speak, you'll be glad you were listening.

Don't let the Marine Corp shave your head!Seriously, dude. It will never be the same. :-/

Everyone is in it for something! Often the people most eager to offer advice or help will want the most in return. Assume all career or business assistance is part of an expected exchange, either now or in the future. Then you won't be disappointed when they show you their "true selves". But keep in mind that occasionally...

A few people will want to help "just because they believe in you". So don't get too cynical. Occasionally you’ll meet a person who likes to help simply because it makes them feel good to see you succeed in what you are doing. They're hard to find, though, because their names aren't listed as sponsors on event programs or plastered on the sides of B-school buildings. When you find one, make them a permanent part of your life.

Everything before "but" is bull. "I don't meant to be critical, but...," "I'm not trying to tell you what to do, but...," "Please don't take this the wrong way, but...," Yes you do, yes you are, and yes I will. Disclaimers are anything but, often indicating the true meaning behind what is said.

Slow and  steady wins the race. The people who achieve the most do a lot more of the boring stuff. Routine, rigor, attention to detail, churning away day after day... that is how you will succeed. Every elite athlete, entertainer, and successful businessperson you will eventually meet has put in thousands of hours of practice and effort. They are successful mostly because they are willing to do what other people won't. Occasionally, you will come across the success story, but that is VERY rare.  Learn to enjoy the mundane and you can outdistance the pack -- and then life will be anything but boring.

Stop dreaming and start living. Many people try to figure out "their own path", because they don't want anyone telling them what to do or feel they can do it better. At the end of the day, RESULTS are all that matter. Stop trying to think you know everything at the ripe age of twenty-one. Someday you'll spend a year in a war zone in Iraq and find out that education isn't a bad place to sharpen your skills and learn more about the things that interest you. You'll be more productive and have a more extensive network than you can implement in a year fleshing out ideas at the local library.

The women you really want to meet don't care about the cars you drive or clothes you wear. 

Visibility is everything. The people who get opportunities and promotions are the people who are seen and noticed. Customers, partners, media... no one will discover you on their own.You have to help them find you. Spend the majority of your time doing great things, but spend at least 5% of your time getting the attention of the people who matter. Networking is key! 

Your mom, aunt, and grandmother are a lot smarter than you think. And they only want the best for you. And they'll always be there for you. And they won't be around forever. Call them.  Hug them.

Learn from the mistakes your father made. You will never be "Nino Brown" of the city, nor should you want to (you saw what happened to him, right?).  Instead take that as an opportunity to see how that course of action will play out and learn.  Do not hold those things against him.  He, too, is learning what's the best thing to do on this earth.  Love him in spite of.

Always make time for family.

Always learn on the fly. Waiting until you're ready means waiting forever. When you're "preparing" there are millions of reasons to delay a little longer. Trust yourself. Learn a little and jump in. Make mistakes, adjust, adapt, and develop greater skill by doing and reflecting, not thinking and dreaming. You'll save time and achieve a lot more.

Don't expect to get back what you give. Favors will not be returned. Sacrifices made for others will not be rewarded. None of the people you mentor, develop, promote, and work with are not going to call when, years from now, you’re suddenly let go. When you give, give because you want to or because it's the right thing to do. Then you'll never be disappointed.

A little ego is not a bad thing. You need a strong ego. Otherwise you'll believe all the people who say "you can't" or that you don't belong. No one will believe in you until you believe in yourself. But keep your ego to yourself. Be humble on the outside; keep the proverbial 800-pound gorilla on the inside.

You will most regret what you decide not do. What you will most regret are things you decide not to do due to lack of confidence or fear of the unknown -- like the businesses you should have started and the joint venture you turned down. For you, safe will almost always equal sorry. Take intelligent business risks and trust you will be able to work through any challenges. If nothing else, you'll have a lot more fun.