It’s official…I’m an alum…a reflection on my graduation ceremonies

This past Sunday, May 18th, I graduated with my Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with majors in Information Technology and Marketing, with minor in Advertising. The ceremonies, both the university-wide and College of Business, were nothing short of magical. With confetti, silly string, and beach balls flying widely, the ceremony was quite a sight.

Both ceremonies featured heart-felt speakers that gave us kind words of encouragement for the new chapter in life we are all about to embark on. Andrew Natsios, distinguished professor in the practice of diplomacy at Georgetown University, gave the commencement speech at the university-wide ceremony. He spoke about his involvement in international affairs, and gave some encouraging guidance in the form of 5 guiding principles:  do what is right, integrity is non-negotiable, know yourself, regard every job you have as the last you will ever hold, take some risks, take care of yourselves and your family, and cultivate the inner life. At the College of Business ceremony, both Dean Dennis Garrett and Stephanie Storck delivered encouraging words, and guidelines for staying “happy” in life, being passionate about what you do for a living, and keeping your friends and family close. 

Personally, I can’t say enough good things about Marquette University. I’ve had such an amazing 4-year journey, being a leader within both the IT Student Organization and Entrepreneurship club, serving others in the community by being an active Richfield Lions member, excellence both in and outside of the classroom, and being part of a faith-filled community which has opened my mind to different cultures and religions around the world. I’m proud to have faithfully served out the mission of Marquette University, and I am so thankful for them to give me the opportunity to attend there. With the knowledge and passion for what I do  gained through my education experience, I plan to continually work hard, gain knowledge, give back to the community, and keep the Marquette pillars:  excellence, faith, leadership, service alive in my heart. Marquette, faculty, family, and friends, thanks so much for the best 4-years of my life!

Forty Years of Lessons Learned- A Retail Journey

Today, founder and chairman of the board of Best Buy Dick Schulze came and spoke at the Business Leaders Forum Luncheon at Marquette University. Schulze presented 10 valuable lessons when developing and running your own business.

1. Listen to your customers
– Hassle free shopping
– Quick & easy checkout
– Service after the sale
2. Know your competitors
– Differentiate yourself
-slashed prices, and are known as the low price leader
3. Persistence pays
– Stand by convictions
– Find a unique way to serve a niche
4. Find a mentor
– They ground you, give you directions
– Find someone actively engaged in business within the field of your choice
5. Hire strong people
– Bring in consultants if you aren’t good at something (ex. IT and HR at Best Buy)
– Make a case for company
– Promote from within. “ordinary people doing extraordinary things.”
6. Don’t Punish Mistakes
– Reward innovation
– Minimize mistakes, and don’t spread them through every area of business
– Hypothesize, test and verify
7. Leverage your strengths
– Strength at Best Buy= innovation
– Allow floor employees to have open line of communication to company’s decision makers
– Allow employees to be intrapreneurs (innovate from within)
8. Learn to listen
– 360 evaluation
– Solicit opinions from diverse groups
– Embrace diversity of thought
– Remove anything that blocks creativity and innovation
9. Create partnerships
– Offer end to end solution (ex. buy a satellite and have installation staff)
– Geek squad
10. Infrastructure is critical

Overlying message, “empower your employees, and delegate!”