I thought it would be fun to do a quick pre-class posting on our first day of class, since it seemed fitting to recognize the growing positive energy so many Fresnans are putting towards making Downtown Fresno a more vibrant place for everything.  In the planning phases of this project, I will admit that I was probably the fiercest devil’s advocate on why the project shouldn’t happen.

“Who would want to go downtown?” I kept asking myself as someone who grew up North of Shaw Ave.

But over the past couple of months I’ve had the opportunity to travel to different destinations downtown. I’ve met many of the people who not only work downtown, but consider it home as well.  It wasn’t until I started visiting Downtown Fresno and meeting others who had good things to say about it that I really began to appreciate it and all of its nuances.

When I think of Downtown Fresno, the first thing that comes to mind is the word “choice.” The decision to live, work or play in our downtown area gives people a choice in lifestyle. Fresno is expanding and will likely continue expanding – many call this the “urban sprawl”.  However, downtown areas are generally urban environments, where space is limited and there are different, yet equally rewarding opportunities for growth lurking about if you can spot them. If you consider how these newer spaces downtown are being designed, there is a community feel to each of them that you won’t find in more suburban areas of Fresno. In the words of Jane Jacobs, “The point of cities is multiplicity of choice,” which is what we are experiencing with the growth of our downtown.

So here’s my goal for everyone in this class and everyone on the periphery watching & learning about it.  My hope is that we can learn to embrace our downtown and see it as an asset that offers people something unique and different. By no means is it perfect, but is there any place that really is? It’s what we make it and how we define it that gives or diminishes its meaning. But by acknowledging that it is unique and different, we can start to recognize opportunities to make this city what we want it to be – a place that’s vibrant, gives people choices, and provides people with opportunities if they know where to look. When we can assume this mindset, we acknowledge that not only are there good things happening in Fresno, but also that we who call this place home have something to which we can look forward.

Tim Sudiacal, Downtown Academy co-founder

There are several experts within community organizations working in diverse fields who are willing to help. For example, I wanted to learn how to work with the press, write press releases and public service announcements, etc. I recently joined the communications committee for a community organization. As a member of the communication committee, I’ve had the opportunity to assist the person in charge of these items. This arrangement has been a great trade-off between us. She was glad to guide (mentor?) me so I could assist her and I was glad to help so I could learn about communications.

I wouldn’t say that I am an expert in communications, but I do feel a lot better about my skills in this area. I encourage you to help a community organization. While doing so, take advantage of the opportunity to broadening your professional skill set.

Laura Ramos

Opportunities are everywhere, but most people will not hold your hand to find them. In any job seeking experience a person needs to assess what skills they have learned or need, and where the sources for those opportunities are. Two years ago, I helped formed the company WatchDoit.com, it has lead to many further networking chances to act as a local consultant in the field of online marketing, SEM/SEO, analytics software, and new business ventures. I have learned even more about Fresno’s many opportunities through the Central Valley Business Incubator as a valuable technology resource, joined the Fresno Technology Affinity Group (Google Group) to keep in touch with Government technology issues, and Mindhub for local networking events.

WHY SHOULD I CARE?

Break the mold. 90% of success is just showing up.

·         Be outgoing.

·         Create opportunities for yourself.

·         Meet with professionals in the field you are interested, prepare questions to ask them, job shadow them and see if there are any jobs at the place where they work.

In the meantime,

• work on your resume
• beef up your connections/contacts with fellow graduates

Good chances are that the people you graduate with might be able to put you in touch with other good connections/contacts. Some of these connections might also be needed when or if you ever decide to start your own business. Just think of the many trade skills that will be needed! Legal, accounting, HR, etc.

Currently, I serve as a consultant to Fresno State and will be launching a social network site for Alumni at Fresno State in the spring-fall of 2010. So send me an email if you want to be a part of the Beta Testing for the first ever Fresno State alumni collegiate network. As I said, create your own opportunities.

Sincerely,

Brendan Kane (Brendan.kane@watchdoit.com)

President

WatchDoit.com

Central California is a great place to work.  The leaders of valley companies know that a motivated, happy employee is one who will work hard for the good of the company.   An informal survey of a dozen valley companies shows that executives are hard at work to be forward-thinking in their attempts to create ideal working environments.  Specialized employee trainings, handwritten notes from the boss, and even big red clown noses are thrown into the mix to ensure that employees are motivated every day to do their best.

When we asked valley executives what they do to create an ideal working environment for their employees, nearly every one of them said that recognition is key.  Employees want to do well in their jobs and they want the recognition for a job well done.  Jayme Plunkett, co-CEO of Decipher, says that the foosball table and the free food “…are great, but we find they are not as rewarding and long-lasting as personalized recognition.”.   The executives at Sierra Pacific Orthopedic Group would agree.  Jason Bailey, VP of HR and Operations, sends out 5-10 handwritten notes per week commending employees for good work and when a staff member or department receives a note or phone call from patients praising their work, every member of the company gets a copy of it.  At Educational Employees Credit Union, employees are recognized for having perfect attendance and receive the BRAVO award for work that goes above and beyond the call of duty.  Even though we’re all grown up now, we’re still the same people for whom a gold star on our papers went a long way.  These executives hand out as many gold stars as they can.

Another common technique valley companies use to promote employee satisfaction is to encourage a high level of feedback from the employees.  Priscilla Stuebner of Milano International describes it as having “low fences” that allow “easy access at all levels of the company”.   Milano employs outside firms to come in for sessions that have led to improvements like low-cost health insurance that is available for new and part-time employees.  Employees who have a voice in their company know that they matter there; their work and their ideas have an impact.  The owner of Valley Yellow Pages loves to hear those voices; he has an open-door policy and works to make himself accessible to the staff.  So does Richard Barnes, the President of Resource Lenders, who is very anti-voicemail.  He believes in answering his phone and hearing what people have to say.

Many other valley firms motivate their employees through training.   Pelco has an unconventional orientation for new staff members that, according to HR Manager Nora Barber, “..create(s) engaged employees who are able to articulate Pelco’s culture.”  The orientation sessions include 40 new employees from all over the world.  They are taken on a tour of the Pelco campus, participate in team-building exercises, see a presentation by the CEO of the company, then meet with the VPs of each function to learn about their new department.   Through this training, employees know from the beginning that they are an important part of the functions of the company.

Of course, happy employees are also ones who are having fun.  People want to go to work when they know that something great could happen every day.  The employees at Sierra Pacific Orthopedic Group have photo contests to see which department can take the funniest picture and they’re not surprised to find themselves in an informal meeting with an HR VP wearing a clown nose.  The 250 staff members of the Fresno Surgical Hospital never have to think about what they’re doing for lunch.  The company provides it for them, free of charge.  Resource Lenders has a break room with a full kitchen, LCD televisions and couches everywhere that invite relaxation.  And if they need a little more relaxation, employees can count on a ten-day trip to any destination in the world as a reward for ten years of service with the company.  Whether they are large or small, these perks work to motivate employees because they are thoughtful. 

Wikipedia defines motivation as: the internal condition that activates behavior and gives it direction; and energizes and directs goal-oriented behavior.  Truly motivating employees is a process, not a task.  Obtaining positive results takes a great deal of effort and requires continual learning from books, seminars, consultants, surveys and programs.  Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “Nothing great can be accomplished without enthusiasm”.  The successful leaders know that motivation is integral to creating a great company and are enthusiastic about continually improving the process.  For those valley executives who are passionate to create a great company to work for in the Central Valley and thus making life better for their employees though motivation, gold stars for you!

• Fisherman’s Wharf, Monterey CA 151 miles

Chowder, The Aquarium, 17 mile drive and lunch in Carmel.

• Sierra Summit, Lake Shore, CA  68.3 miles

Ski, BBQ, Ski more, back in town for Sushi dinner.

• The Roxy Theater, Hollywood CA 221 miles

Great shows in a great club.

• Channel Islands Harbor, Oxnard, CA 236 miles

Dive, Hike Santa Cruz Island, or just take a day cruise.

• Fort Ross State Park, Sonoma County, CA

Abalone Dive, Wineries, Hiking

 Joe Denham

According to FLYP founder Nevin Hindiyeh, this year’s award recipients will be recognized for their efforts to “cauterize Fresno Brain Drain and enable Fresno to foster, grow and retain young professionals.” FLYP Vice Chairman Dawn Steele added, “The actions and efforts of these individuals and organizations promote our goal of establishing Fresno as a destination for college graduates and young professionals.”

And the winners are…

Craig Scharton. Photo from the Fresno Bee

LEAD – Craig Scharton, Director of Downtown and Community Revitalization
This award is for a public official, public figure, or corporate leader in the Greater Fresno Area who has provided sustained and effective leadership to improve the lives of those that live in the Greater Fresno Area. The leader has demonstrated selfless service in promoting the Central Valley in a positive light and has made demonstrable and significant changes to advance the professional community.

SERVE – Grizzlies Community Fund
This recipient has demonstrated a broad-based, continuing commitment to community service, public service and/or significant charitable or philanthropic contributions to benefit the community.

Al Smith. Photo from the Fresno Chamber of Commerce

CONNECT – Al Smith, CEO and President of the Fresno Chamber of Commerce
This award is for a leader that has exhibited a passion for connecting individuals in the Fresno community under a common goal to promote positive change in our community. The recipient has bridged generational, professional and political boundaries to advance initiatives in support of the professional community in the Greater Fresno Area.

COMPANY OF THE YEAR – Pacific Gas and Electric Company
This award is for a company that has demonstrated a continued commitment to attracting, retaining, and mentoring young professionals in the Greater Fresno Area.

Local elected officials will show their support of FLYP and are planning to attend the banquet. Expected guests for the event include Councilman Andreas Borgeas, State Senator Dave Cogdill, Council President Cynthia Sterling and Assemblyman Mike Villines. Mayor Ashley Swearengin will be the evening’s Keynote Speaker.

Tickets are available to purchase online by visiting FLYP’s website at www.flypinfo.com.

For more information please contact Dawn Steele at Steeledawn@ymail.com

The Lyles Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship writes “The Central Valley Stock Exchange (CVSE) is a mock “Stock Exchange” showcasing Central Valley small businesses and entrepreneurs. Guests play the role of “High Stakes Investors” and are encouraged to see demonstrations and “pitches” from the entrepreneurs, divvying up their $1 Million CVBI Bucks as they see fit.”

Thursday October 22, 2009
Doors open: 5:00pm
Trading begins: 6:00pm
Dinner served at: 7:15pm

Clovis Veterans Memorial Building

Tickets: $65 Purchase here. For event details click here

The Fresno Advertising Foundation presents: New Media Success Stories, Creative Approaches & Insight to Boost Sales

Stephen Years
Technology Strategist, Sustainability Office at Sun Microsystems

Anne Marie Begley
Vice President, New Media Sales at LSN, Inc.

Thursday, November 19, 2009
7:30-9am breakfast @ TorNino’s

Tickets $25 in advance • $35 after 11/13 and at the door

Purchase tickets at www.fresnoadfoundation.org

The Fresno Advertising Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation, formed in 2005 to enhance the understanding of advertising and marketing as essential components of our economic and social system. Proceeds from the annual “Focus” colloquium benefit the educational outreach programs of the Foundation.

Yelp Monocle screen shot. Photo from Josh Bancroft's Posterous

AR is available on the iPhone GS and uses the compass capability to determine which direction your phone is facing. iPhone apps using AR combine reality by using your camera in conjunction with an artificial visual overlay. For example, I have the Yelp app on my iPhone. When I activate the monocle feature in the app my camera will open and display whatever is in front of me. Based on the direction I am facing little rectangular boxes will appear on the screen showing which restaurants and bars are located in that direction. It will also show me the rating for these establishments. Cool huh!?

I did a Google search to find other popular AR apps. To my surprise I found a review of an app called NetworkerGoggles. This is how the author described the app:

“NetworkerGoggles: You’re at a schmoozefest. Who are the most interesting people in the room? The most indiscreet; the most likely to be drunk; the richest; the ones with the most/least friends in common with you? Ask your iPhone and little business cards start floating over their heads!”

I went to iTunes to download NetworkerGoggles and I couldn’t find it.** Let’s imagine everybody had this app. I don’t know about you, but this seems a little weird. I can’t stop thinking about the sleazy principle of this app; as if networking is only about finding the most appealing person in the room to engage in a “schmoozefest.” ICK! That attitude screams “I’m always looking for what someone can do for me.”

This seems like a the saddest use of augmented reality.

If you network like this – with or without the use of an app – my guess is that you come off as disingenuous and guess what… you’re not fooling anyone.  Networking is about valuing all interactions and seeking to help others no matter how connected you think the person might be. Well-connected people observe how you treat others.  Valuing all people will win you more reputation points, friends and potential partnerships.

As FLYPers we network a lot. Do you agree or disagree with me? What is your view of networking? Would you use an app like this if it were available?

by Katie Johnson

**I couldn’t find this app because it doesn’t exist – it’s a parody as pointed out by reader Chris Grayson. See his comments below to see an app similar to NetworkerGoggles currently in development.

• A desk so full of papers that you can’t see what color it is
• An email inbox with over 300 emails
• Going home upset and feeling unproductive
• Not being able to sleep because there are so many things in your head

That is how my life was about a year ago.

For me, the turning point came one day when my boss came into my office and said we need to prepare for a meeting with a very important person, I said “ok,” wrote it on a post it note and placed in on my desk. Days later I was looking for something in my enormous pile and found the note, my stomach started turning, when was this? Did I miss it? I walked into my boss’s office and asked when the meeting was, he said “this morning.” OMG!! I cannot explain how I felt. I thought to myself “I need to do something about this, I am always upset and I am not ready for important things.”

At that time my system was to keep it everything in front of me. I thought that if files and notes were in front of me on my desk I would remember to complete the tasks; that if it was in my inbox I would remember to respond. That was not happening.

Then I heard about a person who changed my life at a presentation. This person was David Allen, the writer of “Getting Things Done.” I went home to research what he was all about. I found a series of free one page articles on his site. I was determined to change my life by managing my stress level.

This is what I learned:

• A messy desk creates numbness instead of clarity.
• It’s important to get things out of my head, processing them into outcomes and actions and then write results into objective categories for consistent review.

This was the new way I was going to get all my stuff accomplished.

I read the articles and gave myself two weeks to develop my system. The plan that you develop has to be so simple that you can do it naturally; not something that you feel you have to add as a “to do” on your list. I knew that what worked for others might not work for me so I was determined to develop MY system. I tried some things and they didn’t work so I tried another until I had it.

I learned the importance of using a “to do” list and trusting my list to remind me, not my project support material. I also learned to end all meetings by clarifying outcomes, deciding next actions, and who is responsible for them. For your GTD system to be successful you must do a weekly review, it is key to remembering what needs to be done. During my weekly review I process and empty an in-basket, my emails, my meeting notes, etc. After assessing the new inputs I may do quick actions that will take less than two minutes, and check the list of items I have delegated (tracked on waiting for list).

I can continue writing about my system but I know you want to run and develop or improve your system. And if you are skeptical I want to tell you that after I developed my system I initially experienced a rush of energy and creativity while feeling more relaxed at the same time. I also learned that these feelings can slip away quickly without the confidence that the content of my systems is complete and current.

I also want to warn you, after establishing my system people around me think I’m not busy and give me more things to do… Bring it on!!!

By Laura Ramos

Every day we draft client letters, emails, notes, minutes and so on – whether for work or for an extra curricular activity you always need to write in a clear manner. Lacking these skills can be extremely costly in moving forward in your career.

Do you need help with writing professionally? Check out these local sources for writing improvement courses and assistance:

Central Valley Business Incubator
Fresno City College
Fresno State
Fresno Adult School
Clovis Adult School

I suggest you check out one of the following books at the Fresno County Library:

• How to say it business writing that works : the simple, 10-step target outline system to help you reach your bottom line / Adina Gewirtz.
• Business writing clear and simple.
• Business English : A complete guide to developing an effective business writing style / Andrea B. Geffner.

Lastly, there are tons of resources online to help improve your writing.  Check out this  great blog on business writing at http://www.businesswritingblog.com/.

Happy Writing!