October 2015

FOR AND BY BUSINESS STUDENTS

OCTOBER 2015

THE SMO ISSUE:

Classes you didn’t know you could take Developing yourself as a leader The difference between SMO & HR

HOOPS, AUDIT & SANDWICHES: Interviewing a Press’d Sandwiches Co-Founder

JOANNE

BARTOLOME USING MARKETING AND UNIQUE INSIGHT TO ELEVATE SMO IN BUSINESS

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AT

#BAAGOLF written by TSEGA MACDONALD designed by CAROL WONG photographed by MATTHEW RYAN

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N SEPTEMBER 2, 2015, the Business Alumni Association (BAA)

hosted their annual golf tournament at the Windermere Golf Course.

A few members of the Lazy Faire team had the chance to spend the day at the event. The day was filled with old and new friends hacking the course away, all in fun. Alumni may have signed up for the tournament, but they came to spend time with old classmates and create meaningful relationships with Edmonton business leaders.

The BAA represents over 25,000 BCom, MBA, and PhD graduates from the Alberta School of Business. The purpose of the BAA includes “promoting the continued interest of all graduates in the School; providing a means whereby alumni may join together for the enrichment of the School; encouraging the best candidates to attend the U of A; and providing a support network for students and graduates.”

I had the privilege of sitting next to Jessa Aco, a 2014 BCom graduate who works as a Senior Associate at PwC and is this year’s BAA Vice President.

Jessa is a great example of getting involved with the Business Alumni Association early on to not only leverage their powerful network, but create meaningful relationships. It is clear that it is never too early to join the BAA. Our very own Dean Doucet closed the tournament with a speech that highlighted the importance of our academic and business community in Edmonton.

WANT TO GET INVOLVED WITH THE BAA? #BAADINNER Tickets are now on sale for the 27th annual Business Alumni Association Dinner, featuring keynote speaker ATB Financial President and CEO, Dave Mowat. The dinner takes place on November 5th, 5:30pm at the Matrix Hotel. Students are encouraged to attend and make invaluable connections with alumni from a variety of industries.

More info at https://business.ualberta.ca/alumni/events/business-alumniassociation-annual-dinner

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CONTRIBUTORS EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Kevin Espenido

OCTOBER 2015

CREATIVE CONTENT EDITORS WRITERS

Kyra Cusveller Carey Poon Kara Hauca Marina Bryan Nicole Hammond Monika Sharma Rahique um Maktoom Handoo Robyn Paches Tsega MacDonald

ART DIRECTOR

Anna Lee

ASSOCIATE ART DIRECTOR

Mimi Ngo

DESIGNERS

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Carol Wong Christina Stefaniuk Deanna Bains Krismina La Maggie Lam Nichole Chen Patrick Li Adrienne Leung Nicole Wee

EVENTS COORDINATORS MARKETING COORDINATOR

Steven Co Kristi Wong

Matthew Ryan

PRODUCTION

Fashion Blogs The style influencers you should be following

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Networking Everything you ever wanted to know

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Trick-or-Treating How old is too old?

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Joanne Bartolome Using an international perspective and marketing to promote SMO

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Gavin Fedorak Talking basketball and entrepreneurship with the Press’d co-founder

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Network of Empowered Women Counting down to the iconic Lake Louise conference

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Jonathan Nisar The AEC co-chair’s advice to new students in Business

THOUGHT VS. THOUGHT

EXTERNAL RELATIONS

CLUBS CORNER

LAZY CHAT

Xerox Canada Priority Printing Diana Wyley

CONTACT US WEBSITE

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NETWORKING SMARTS

Paulina Brittner

SPONSORSHIP COORDINATOR

E-MAIL

RMBS The conference prepares for its 51st year

FASHION TRENDS

Zhayate Meng

Kelsea Zalaski

SPECIAL THANKS TO

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STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

EXTERNAL DIRECTOR

SPONSORED BY

Editor’s Note What’s Up

COMMUNITY CENTRE

STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR

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You’re A Leader?!

Developing your ability to empower others

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SMO Crossword A quick, last-minute study break

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Movies Related to SMO Classroom-learning on your living room couch

uofalazyfaire@gmail.com www.lazyfaire.com

cover designed by ANNA LEE cover 4 photographed by NICOLE WEE

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The Difference Between SMO and HRM Supposedly “similar” majors, vastly different opportunities

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SMO Courses You Didn’t Know You Could Take From new business ventures to communication

EDITOR'S NOTE I will never forget my first networking event. I had a head cold and was running a fever. I was so nervous, I could barely get a word out in my conversations. I probably ended up speaking to two corporates the entire evening, and of those two, one of them admitted to me that their boss had forced them to attend. Incredible experience. 10/10.

Having meaningful networking experiences, leadership skills, and the ability to negotiate are the reasons why the theme of this month’s issue is Strategic Management & Organization.

SMO encapsulates skills and concepts that are essential for any business professional. In this issue, you’ll find articles that touch on the idea of leadership, introduce conferences that will immerse you in extensive business networks, and suggest classes to develop yourself as a communicator.

So based on my first five-star experience, what motivated me to attend my second networking event? For me, it was the prospect of bettering myself. That room of intimidating business

FROM THE TEAM ROBYN PACHES, WRITER

Elon Musk is my inspiration because he continues to innovate in every business he enters. He doesn’t only innovate in pre-existing industries, such as automotive with Tesla, but he creates new ones. Wait 40 years, and we’ll be viewing Elon as a modern day Henry Ford.

MATTHEW RYAN, SPONSORSHIP COORDINATOR Warren Buffett: Because no matter how successful someone is, they shouldn’t let money get to their head.

INSTAGRAM: @mattr_95

In keeping up with the leadership aspect of this month’s SMO theme, I asked the team to describe a business professional or influential figure whom they admired or were inspired by:

CAROL WONG, EXECUTIVE ADVISOR I’m inspired by American author Maya Angelou, a resilient woman who fought relentlessly to cross the boundaries of race and culture. An international ambassador of goodwill and kindness, she provided a gentle strength to an entire generation of women and men alike.

INSTAGRAM: @carolluwong

people is your chance of making invaluable connections, and an opportunity to learn from them. It (almost) never ends as badly as you think.

My idea of leadership, some of the guiding principles I follow as a developing marketer, and the contact info of some really cool people doing amazing work, are all a result of me attending networking events and improving my SMO-related skills. I highly encourage anyone who hasn’t done so, to attend a networking event. I promise you’ll be amazed at the connections you’ll make and the fun you’ll have.

An open bar helps sometimes too.

KEVIN ESPENIDO Editor-in-Chief

STEVEN CO, EVENTS COORDINATOR

Robert Herjavec. He is charismatic, respectful, and hardworking. His parents are immigrants who came to Canada with next to nothing (very much like mine), but through his determination, he has become one of North America’s most respectable business leaders.

INSTAGRAM: @_stevenco

CHRISTINA STEFANIUK, DESIGNER

Cameron Johnson is an entrepreneur with an inspirational story. Becoming successful before graduating, he demonstrated that with the right amount of planning and ambition you can take any of your ideas and make them a reality, no matter your age.

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THE

DL AICC EDGE

BEA

FEBRUARY

JANUARY

DECEMBER

NOVEMBER

OCTOBER

WHAT’S UP

As we’ve learned in BUS 201, case studies are an integral part of a business education. But they don’t have to be confined to the classroom! Case studies are the key to case competitions, which are a great way to bond and network with your peers, explore your competitive side, and put the knowledge from your classes to good use. Teams typically consist of three to five students, who act as consultants and attempt to find a creative solution to a real-life business problem. The competition begins with the releasing of case documents, followed by a set amount of time (anywhere between a few hours and a few days) to work out that solution. Presentations then take place for teams to pitch their ideas to a panel of judges. Beyond this basic format, there are infinite ways to change the topic and approach the presentation, and the many competitions held by different groups over the year will have something of interest for everyone. Read on, and keep your eyes on the dates - these are events you do not want to miss.

BSA Alberta Internal Case Competition (AICC): The annual case competition held by the BSA is open to all undergraduate business students, and is split up into Junior (for firstyears only) and Senior divisions. AICC is a great way to try out the world of case competitions - you’ll be hooked before you know it.

October 23 - October 24 Business Exchange Association International Case Competition : This international case competition is open to all business students, and pairs domestic and international students for the opportunity to meet and collaborate with students from different backgrounds in a 24-hour competition.

November 27 - November 28

ANPA EDGE

UAMA MISC

MARCH

ON CASE COMPETITIONS

ANPA

EDGE Business Competition: EDGE is different from other case competitions in that it is a multidisciplinary, real-time simulation that changes over the course of the competition. Each challenge requires teamwork, and innovative approaches that draw on the experiences of everyone on your team. Wow the judges at EDGE Internal, and you could find yourself competing against the best of the best in the external round.

Internal: November 7 - November 8 External: January 29 - January 31 Alberta Not for Profit Association (ANPA) Case Competition: The Alberta Not for Profit Association (ANPA) works to showcase the inner workings and importance of not for profit organizations.

Now in its third year, the annual case competition asks students to use their ingenuity and business sense to solve a current challenge faced by a local not for profit.

Internal: January 22 - January 23 External: March 10 - March 13 University of Alberta Marketing Association Case Competition: The UAMA Case Competition focuses on developing a marketing strategy for a brand, and allows students to explore their creative sides while working on out-of-the-box marketing campaigns.

February 26 - February 27 Edmonton MIS Case Competition (MISC) : Hosted by the University of Alberta Management Information Systems Club, this case competition focuses on IT strategy, including topics such as database and network administration issues, and the way it affects overall business strategy.

March 4 - March 6 written by MARINA BRYAN designed by CHRISTINA STEFANIUK & ANNA LEE

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written by MARINA BRYAN designed by NICHOLE CHEN photo courtesy of RMBS COMMUNITY CENTRE

RoCky Mountain Business Seminar

In previous years, your experience with the Rocky Mountain Business Seminar (RMBS) began when you showed up to school far too early one morning in November. Trekking across campus, you’d bump into groups of business students clustered together, trying to find the most strategic spot to start their run to find the secret sign up location. Everyone refreshed their phones on Twitter or Facebook until the location was posted, and suddenly you were running through the snow, energized by adrenaline.

This year, the RMBS team is changing up the sign-up process, but keeping their plans tightly under wraps.

One thing is for sure though: the conference’s aspects running on a few hours of sleep, the excitement of the unexpected, and forming friendships with people you’ve never met, are here to stay.

RMBS has been a cornerstone of the Alberta School of Business community for over 50 years and

former delegates who have gone on to excel in their fields will be more than happy to share their RMBS memories.

Started by the first Dean of Business at the U of A, RMBS has evolved over the years to become the largest and longest running student-run Canadian business conference.

Held at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, students spend four nights of Winter Reading Week attending workshops and keynote speeches from professionals across all industries.

There really is something for every business major. Participants have the opportunity to network and get to know professionals over the dinner table and at social events, which include a games night, a casino night, a case competition, and a hockey tournament on the lake. Of course, after a long day of workshops, speeches, and events, every night is capped off with a themed costume party. The venue, nestled in the mountains in Jasper, is great for some relaxation time as well, whether you choose to use that time

walking around the lodge, or making the most of the outdoor swimming pool and hot tub.

RMBS is an experience that is a great addition to your BCom degree, as a way to make connections with business students at the U of A and across Canada, as well as corporates in the business world. Attending is a great way to make friends as you kick off your first year at the School of Business, or as a way to connect with possible employers as you finish your degree. No matter what, you will become a diehard RMBS delegate and want to return every year to relive the experience!

The cost of the conference for delegates, including transportation, meals, and your room at the Jasper Park Lodge, has a reasonable price of $550.00.

Make sure to keep your eyes and ears peeled for sign-ups to get a spot at the 51st RMBS! 37

FASHION BLOGS YOU SHOULD BE FOLLOWING written by NICOLE HAMMOND FASHION TRENDS

designed by CHRISTINA STEFANIUK & ANNA LEE

Fashion magazines are so two-thousand-and-late. While fashion magazines are filled with ads and countless nameless models, fashion blogs often feature one individual curating their personal style choices – it’s a much more personal way to engage with fashion. By following a blog, you get to follow the blogger’s lifestyle, personal style, and successes. It’s easy to follow along as all of these blogs maintain incredible Instagram and other social media accounts, so you don’t even have to spend time going to different websites. As a fashion blogger, I spend a lot of time gathering inspiration from other blogs. Here are my top picks for fashion blogs:

For men:

What My Boyfriend Wore whatmyboyfriendwore.com @whatmyboyfriendwore Based out of South Africa, Sergio Ines provides great style advice and outfit inspiration for men. Don’t miss his weekly “Fancy Friday” outfit post and “Dressiquette” series on men’s fashion do’s and don’ts.

For the urban lass:

The locals: The pros:

The Blonde Salad theblondesalad.com || @chiaraferragni Atlantic Pacific atlantic-pacific.blogspot.ca @blaireadiebee Blair Eadie of NYC is the queen of patterns.

Her blog is full of beautiful outfits, settings, and scenery of New York and her travels around the world. Amongst her opulent full-length skirts are some great wear-towork outfit ideas.

He Spoke Style hespokestyle.com || @hespokestyle Full of personal style posts and even a glossary, Brian Sacawa provides practical advice to the fashion-conscious urban male. Particularly useful is his style advice section, which addresses questions from the common to the obscure. You’ll find answers to questions like “Can you wear sneakers with a suit?” – with Brian’s help, anyone can pull it off.

The author’s blog: pinkpencilskirt.com @cestnicolette

Hello Gorgeous hello-gorgeous-blog.blogspot.ca @hellogorgeousblog If you can get past the selfie photography, Hello Gorgeous features wonderful outfit ideas for office and business wear. Blog author Yasi helps women inject elegance and their own personal flavor into traditionally drab female professional style.

It’s no accident that Chiara Ferragni of The Blonde Salad is the top earner in the fashion blogging scene. Her impeccable sense of style, fierce looks, incredible photographer, and glamorous lifestyle are enough to hook any fashionista. This mega-blog functions as a personal style diary crossed with a fullfledged fashion and travel magazine.

Gal Meets Glam galmeetsglam.com || @juliahengel Some photo journals inspire you to visit a place – Julia Engel’s blog makes you feel like you were there with her. Travelling alongside husband/photographer Thomas, Julia takes you to some of the most beautiful places in the world and blurs the line between fashion and travel photography.

Adventures in Fashion adventuresinfashion.ca || @advinfashion Based out of Edmonton, Adventures in Fashion features personal style posts shot in neat locations all around the city. While most of the fashion blogs I’ve listed are American, Vickie is able to take current fashion trends and put a practical, Canadian spin on them.

When I’m Older when-im-older.com || @taylorlainee A new inductee into the BCom program, Taylor is one of ASoB’s resident fashion bloggers. Her posts feature pragmatic yet stylish outfits for university and everyday life, as well as her personal experiences - from travelling to New York to university advice.

EVERYTHING

NETWORKING SMARTS

You Ever Wanted To Know About

NETWORKING

written by KARA HAUCA designed by MAGGIE LAM

Did you know, according to a study done by job-matching site TheLadders, that over half of all jobs are unadvertised? Networking is the best way of tapping into this “hidden job market” and can open doors you didn’t even know existed! We know it can be intimidating at first, so we created this comprehensive guide to hold your hand and lead you through the whole process, from beginning to end.

WHERE TO START: Attend networking events Look out for designated networking events around the School of Business, particularly ones related to your degree. However, anything can actually be a networking event - volunteering, joining clubs, going to interesting talks on campus - even talking to people in your classes.

Tap into your existing network Spread the word about the kind of job you are looking for and the skills you have. Your network can include friends of friends, your parents’ friends, or someone you haven’t connected with in a while.

AT THE EVENT: The 30-second elevator pitch Introduce yourself - who you are, what you’re studying, and what you want to do after graduation. Make it short and memorable.

Remember your manners Don’t go straight for the food and drinks, a general rule is to follow the example of the other people in the room.

Ask lots of questions People love talking about themselves, particularly people who go to networking events.

It’s a two-way street Don’t just think of people in the favors they can do for you, what can you do for them?

How to end the conversation Wait for a lull in conversation, then tell them that it was a pleasure speaking with them and you’ll be sure to follow up on certain points you mentioned earlier.

Get business cards It will help you remember who you talked to and to follow up with them later.

AFTER THE EVENT: Make sure to follow up!

If the event was during the day, it is appropriate to send your follow-up email later in the day. If the event was in the evening, you can follow-up with them the next morning.

Email your new connection Keep it short. Remind the person who you are and a clear next step - that you would like to phone them/meet up/have them email you.

First meeting Coffee or a quick lunch is best; keep it brief and around a half hour.

As always, practice makes perfect - so what are you waiting for? Get out there and start your journey toward becoming a networking pro!

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Trick-or-Treating:

How Old Is Too Old? written by ROBYN PACHES & NICOLE HAMMOND designed by ANNA LEE

NICOLE: Until they reach adulthood, let them trick-or-treat!

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Although my colleague will have you believe that trick-ortreating should be limited to those 16 and under, what he does not realize is the benefit that society reaps from citizens trick-or-treating into early adulthood. Any youth that is under 21 years of age should not only be encouraged to trick-or-treat, but held in high esteem for partaking in such moral Halloween festivities in this great country of ours.

Witch of the West packed on top of a snowsuit. This year, she’s dressed in skin-tight leggings and cat ears while slurping a Jell-O shot. You see, the earlier we encourage teenagers to stop trickor-treating, the harder they fall into the dark, sinister world of Adult Halloween. In a way, encouraging teens and young adults to go trick-or-treating is a way to postpone the rampant hooliganism that will soon comprise their Halloween experiences.

It is of principal concern, especially in a declining economy such as ours, that we increase the GDP. Naturally, as we discourage teens from trick-or-treating, we decrease the number of trick-or-treaters hitting the streets. It then follows that as the total number of trick-or-treaters falls, so does the amount of candy being bought by households in preparation for Halloween. This in turn, decreases the nation’s GDP. Of course you may say that candy sales before Halloween are a miniscule contribution to the GDP, but we all have our part to play, and encouraging trick-or-treating into early adulthood may increase economic activity in an otherwise slow period.

While handing out candy, most people would say that their favourite part is seeing the year’s cool and creative costumes.

Now, wouldn’t you say that an adult who put a whole ton of effort into their costume should be equally - if not more - rewarded as compared to a child who was simply given a costume to wear? The fact that someone was willing to put together a costume and brave the cold to collect some candy and spread some Halloween cheer deserves a prize in the form of a fun-sized candy bar! According to online parenting forums, as long as older visitors dress in costume, are polite, and utter the words “trick-or-treat”, parents have no problem dishing out candies to the oversized bunch.

Let me ask you this: what do you think teenagers start doing on Halloween once they stop trick-or-treating? That’s right, the heathens corrupt them and they go to parties in overtly sexual outfits and binge drink. Last year, thirteen-year-old Sally was trick-or-treating at your doorstep dressed up as the Wicked

Let us then join hands in celebrating the teen trick-or-treaters as a noble folk who are increasing economic activity in our country, engaging in wholesome fun, and creating an unparalleled sensory experience for households handing out candy. They truly are the heroes of Halloween.

ROBYN: If you find yourself asking “Am I too old to be trickor-treating?”, you are definitely too old to be trick-or-treating.

Sometimes it can be hard to let go of such a cherished childhood memory - I know little Robyn always looked forward to the night where the only requirement for candy was throwing a costume on over a snowsuit and walking door to door. But, alas, once one’s age creeps into the teenage years it is time to move on to bigger and better things. It’s as important a rite of passage as any for teenagers to spend Halloween at a house party, having told their parents they were merely attending a friend’s “get-together.”

Once youth are somewhat independent teenagers, let’s say 16, they should stop trick-or-treating. Those who are desperate to cling to their youths can play a more responsible role and take younger siblings or friends door to door. Kids need to have some supervision while they’re out, and teenagers should accept their roles as such. Because, after all, the modern practice of trick-ortreating was originally intended for children.

THOUGHT VS. THOUGHT

alcohol in the United States. I’m certainly not game. That’s just weird.

In summary, trick-or-treating should be left to those for whom it was intended: the kids. Once you start getting into your sweet, sweet, awkward teenage years you should have better things to do with your time on the spookiest night of the year. Halloween parties come to mind as an excellent option. I’m not sure how many of the readers have had the chance to man a door on Halloween and hand out candy, but those who have will understand when I say that these begging teenagers make it an awkward situation for everyone involved. They are visibly aware of their being too old, and no one knows whether to hand out candy or make small talk about university applications.

For those who still aren’t convinced, I have but one final message: Halloween has its origins in the medieval Christian practice of Leave Halloween candy to the kids, guys. It’s supposed to be “souling” on Hallomas (November 1). Poorer individuals would about them, because kids love candy. You’re essentially stealing ask for food in return for prayers for the souls of the dead on All candy from kids. Now you’re not that kind of person, are you?

Souls Day (November 2). This practice has been traced to Ireland and Britain. Modern Halloween, as observed in Canada today, is believed to have begun in 1911, when children in Kingston, Ontario were reported by the local newspaper to be roaming the neighborhood in costume. This is the earliest example of trick-ortreating as it is known today, and let me repeat: it was undertaken by children. Not teenagers. Not adults. Children.

The case can also be argued against these candy-crazed teens’ appearances - is it just me or are teenagers looking older and older nowadays? The comparison photos that occasionally show up on my Facebook timeline don’t lie: today’s teenagers look nothing like the teens of the ‘90s. While we rocked jeans, fleece jackets, and light up shoes, today’s youth prance about with iPhones, Nike’s, leggings, and crop tops. What the heck? To my point: if today’s 16 and 17-year-olds were trick-or-treating, they could easily be mistaken for young adults in their early 20s. I’m willing to bet no one is interested in opening their doors and giving candy to strangers who appear old enough to purchase 11

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

What does SMO mean to you?

SMO is versatile. It’s something everyone can use, and people both inside and outside of the School of Business can apply its concepts. It gives us the chance to broaden our horizons and use skills that are not always applied in the classroom.

What changes would you like to see this year as co-president of the SMO Club?

Joanne Bartolome is in her third year at the SoB, pursuing a co-operative education degree with a major in marketing. As the president of the Billingual Bachelor of Commerce Club and co-president of the the Strategic Management and Organization (SMO) Club, she is using her insight and dedication to make a lasting impact. We took some time to hear how her experiences have shaped her and the significance of Strategic Management and Organization.

In the past three years, the SMO Club hasn’t really been well known around campus. Last year we did a lot of branding and revitalizing of its image. This year I want to establish something unique to SMO Club, one big event to show everything that SMO can offer. That event will be a Negotiations Competition, taking place around March.

What makes the SMO Club different from all the other organizations at the ASoB? The SMO Club doesn’t only apply to people with that major; we think about the School of Business as a whole.

The skills you can develop, such as leadership, how to properly network, and how to negotiate, can apply to everyone.

When people continue on in their future endeavors, they’ll know how to properly shake someone’s hand, or ask for a raise in their salary. It can help anyone be a great leader and imagine the scope of their capabilities.

How has your involvement with student organizations benefitted you?

It helped me really get out of my comfort zone. I often didn’t think I was going to get

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involved, but now I don’t regret it at all. It has been through clubs that I have been able to implement the marketing tools I learned in class. I wanted to experiment with what I had learned, and have found the best way to experiment is with a small club like SMO! For me, it’s about seeing how far I can challenge myself; it’s about achieving personal growth, not recognition. It was the chance to persuade others to see my point of view and my vision. I learned people management, grant management, and marketing, all in a single hands-on experience.

What has been the most meaningful experience you’ve had studying business?

There have been two. First would be my exchange trip to France last year. We think we have everything figured out, but in reality, the world is a lot bigger than you expect. On my exchange, I was able to see different perspectives. It changed how I see the world, because I learned how others viewed their futures, their politics, their cultures, and their businesses. And in spite of all that, we were still able to find so many things we had in common. The ability to network with people outside of Canada makes you realize that you can reach out globally, and that there are other things you can do, like a Master’s degree in London, or an internship in Africa – really cool things that I’d never considered before. So I’m really grateful that I went on exchange. I was scared in the beginning, but I gained independence.

Another meaningful experience would be co-op. We think we are just getting work experience to fluff up our resume, but it really is more about examining different industries, finding out what you like and

dislike. You get a feel for the industry and people, and get a glimpse into what your life could be like after graduation. It gives you the chance to jump from one industry to another without worrying about if you’re going to break a relationship with a company.

Why did you choose marketing as your major?

Actually I didn’t really think about marketing when I was first going into university. What I really wanted to do was design. I have a knack for making things look pretty. Little did I know, design wasn’t all I thought it would be. With marketing you have the ability to propose ideas, without being too influenced by others. When you’re just creating a design for a company, you can’t be independent.

Some people think that marketing is just advertising, but there’s also the sales side, the brand management side, the communication side, and the entrepreneurship side. The fact that it’s so versatile is the reason why I chose it.

Your best piece of advice?

It’s okay to make mistakes. Sometimes we are so hard on ourselves, because we see so many successful people in business and want to be like them. We want to get those positions and have their success.

But you are only in control of your own life. To put too much pressure on yourself isn’t good. Admit to your faults and try to learn from them as well.

written by MONIKA SHARMA designed by ANNA LEE photographed by NICOLE WEE

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EXTERNAL RELATIONS

From Hoops to Audit to Sandwiches

AN INTERVIEW WITH GAVIN FEDORAK co-founder of Press’d Sandwiches

Gavin Fedorak is a 2006 BCom grad from the Alberta School of Business with his CA designation. In May 2009, after being at Deloitte for almost three years, he and his fellow business partners founded Press’d Sandwiches. Lazy Faire got a chance to speak to him about his experience as an entrepreneur and how his basketball-focused background has come into play.

As an alumnus of the Alberta School of Business, how did you spend your time at the School?

One of my partners, Scott Gordon, and I were actually varsity basketball players. Pretty much from the moment I arrived on campus I focused on basketball. I came to school, went to class, went to practice, went to the gym, and hung out with the team after. It was very different than the traditional university experience of getting into a club or a fraternity; for me, it was the basketball team. I wasn’t tied into the School of Business. Now don’t get me wrong, I learned a lot from the team, but if I were to do it again, I would definitely take some time to get involved in clubs. The connections you can establish from those can be huge. I’m still friends with my basketball teammates, but the possibility of future business partners through club involvement is huge.

Being on a basketball team, were there some key takeaways that have helped you in your business career?

Both Scott and I feel that sport in general did a lot for us. The biggest things were lessons on leadership, dedication, hard work and a commitment to something that isn’t right there in front of you.

Another major one was the fact that we would come to school in September, and work towards the national championship in March. In business, it’s been very much the same. We recently celebrated Press‘d’s five year anniversary - there are not a lot of things in life that you work towards for 4-5 years outside of your degree; the ability to focus on a goal was a huge takeaway from sport. I can’t forget about the ability to work on a team. At 5’10, I definitely

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couldn’t do everything on the court. The team has guys for every role, and business is very similar; you have to be able to rely on your teammates and partners.

What enticed you into entrepreneurship?

For Scott and me, it was the opportunity and the challenge. All starting with our time in competitive sports, we found this as an outlet to express ourselves. Similar to an artist, we expressed ourselves on the basketball court. I would say, and my wife will argue with me, that I’m not an overly creative person, but when I look at my sport as an outlet, it works.

Now, when I look at entrepreneurship, the business has become our outlet. As an entrepreneur, you put yourself out there for the world to see. I enjoy the risk and challenge around the continual building of the brand and the company.

Why did you enter the sandwich business?

Well, it wasn’t an obvious choice for sure. It was early 2009; I had been at Deloitte for two and a half years doing audit and corporate finance. It was great, I enjoyed my time there, and I love the company. But I wanted to take a risk, so entrepreneurship jumped out at me. I could plan out 25 years at Deloitte; there would be excitement, sure, but it was mapped out. So Scott and I were sitting down one night and tossing ideas around. Yoga studios were getting big around then, and so were cross fit gyms. We considered opening either of those businesses. Then one day we remembered a shop called Dilly’s that we used to go to in Arizona on basketball trips. Dilly’s Deli is what we based our concept off of; it was an excellent alternative to the usual Subway or Quizno’s.

At the time, and even now, Edmonton has a hole in the market for alternatives to these sandwich shops, so we capitalized on this and opened Press’d.

Press’d has seen pretty rapid growth in the past few years, why is that?

Instead of focusing on selling franchises, we’ve been focusing on unit profitability. We’re a small business and we realize that in order to be successful, the franchisees have to be profitable. Our key has been placing successful units in the right spots. Often, even if we don’t have a franchisee and we have an opportunity to get into the right spot, we’ll grab hold of the real estate and a franchisee will eventually come along. We’ve been taking this risk over the past few months. We feel our decision to continue taking this risk has really driven our fast growth. Our brand is strong, we’re doing well, and taking real estate has worked for us.

What’s the next goal for Press’d?

We’ve always had the goal to be one of the top three sandwich brands in western Canada. We’re aiming for 50-75 units and we feel we’ll be there in the next 5-10 years. We’re currently at 14 - soon 15 - locations five years after franchising, and at our current pace, we should be able to meet our goal.

Do you have any advice for setting effective goals?

The one thing we’ve learnt is you can’t try to do too much, too fast. I heard an excellent Bill Gates quote the other day, “People tend to overestimate what they can do in a year, and underestimate what they

not an overtly “ I’m creative person,

but when I look at my sport as an outlet, it works.

Now, when I look at entrepreneurship, the business has become our outlet.

”

can do in ten.” A lot of the time, people say we can do this, this, and this in the next six months. The reality is that you’ve got flare ups and day-to-day operations to take care of. The biggest thing we’ve learned is not only to set reliable goals, but don’t set too many; if you have too many goals, you won’t be able to focus on them.

Do you have any advice for young entrepreneurs?

When I’m looking at something, I ask myself, “What’s the worst that can happen here?” When I was starting the business, I asked myself, “What’s the worst that can happen to me?” At 26 years old, with student loans paid off, what did I have to lose, personally? A couple years of work experience, pride, and friends’ and family’s money, should the business not make it.

But I could always work that back. I was comfortable with the worst case scenario not being the end of the world. We’ve taken this into our business decisions now: what is the worst that can happen if the business makes a certain move? I would tell a young entrepreneur to focus on your idea, really distill it.

Once you’re firm on your idea, I’m a big believer that once you make that decision, you have to stick to it; you can’t wake up in two weeks and question it. Once you commit, commit fully, or else you won’t believe in that decision or objective. You have to accept the fact that you’re going to work a lot of hours, it’s going to be a challenge, and it will be a struggle. It’s about commitment and not turning back.

written by ROBYN PACHES designed by ANNA LEE photographed by KYRA CUSVELLER

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CLUBS CORNER

written by KEVIN ESPENIDO designed by PATRICK LI photo coutesy of NETWORK OF EMPOWERED WOMEN

The Network of Empowered Women’s (NEW) annual conference is a gathering of students and corporates from across Canada. Taking place from January 21 - 24, 2016, the aim of the conference is to start a meaningful dialogue between students and business professionals about the obstacles they’ve encountered and overcome. This month, Lazy Faire had the opportunity to explore the concept of the NEW conference in greater depth and better understand the group’s role in the lives of students at the Alberta School of Business.

100 delegates from across Canada 10 months of planning, from April to January 4 days and 3 nights at the Chateau Lake Louise

14 passionate, driven, and confident executive team members 5 keynote speakers; influential and inspiring female business leaders 1 incredible experience

Applications for the conference can be found at ualbertanew.ca and are being accepted until 11:59pm, October 31.

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WHO INSPIRES YOU? “I admire individuals with drive, self-motivation, and passion. Those who love what they do and work hard to achieve their goals inspire me. A speaker at last year’s conference, Diana Wyley, stood out to me for this reason. I saw the competitive nature her and I both share, and how she used it for success. She sets goals in everything she does, so I was able to use her goal-setting strategies to get me through a busy summer, and will continue to use this strategy throughout my schooling/career/sports.” - Katherine Brydges, Events Director “My parents inspire me. They are so hardworking and dedicated to creating success for their family.

Both of them have sacrificed so much so that my siblings and I can enjoy life in a way that they were never were able to. This might sound like a huge cliché, but they are the two people I truly look up to for inspiration.” - Sumita Sharma, VP External

WHY CHOOSE NEW? “By bringing together business students and corporate professionals from around Canada, NEW is the optimal environment for creating relationships that last long after the conference. It gives individuals the opportunity to discover themselves and their ambitions by letting them hear from a diverse platform of inspiring mentors. The relationships built, the stories shared, and the discussions had are personal and meaningful. Everyone there was willing to open up their hearts and share their experiences, making this conference a fertile setting for growth and learning.”

- Aliya Rota, External Director “I never believed it until I received the feedback from a number of delegates, and it happened year after year. “The NEW conference changed my life,” or, “Attending the NEW conference has motivated me to make a difference in the world.” It’s true: our conference is unlike any you will attend during your undergraduate experience. I’ve observed, on more than one occasion, delegates leaving our conference with their eyes, their hearts, and their minds wide open, ready to face anything headon. Our conference changes you, helps you grow. That’s why you should attend NEW.” - Carol Wong, Co-Chair The purpose of NEW is to celebrate and uplift aspiring business professionals with the foundation necessary to empower themselves and others. The Chateau Lake Louise provides a tranquil venue wherein thoughtful conversations take place about leadership and triumphs over adversity.

Many students have gone to the conference for the first time expecting a typical professional feel. While they do get the opportunity to hear and meet with speakers from companies like Xerox, Suncor and Ford, theirs is much more than simply a tangible experience. What they walk away with is a fresh mindset and perspective, a renewed sense of drive, and an expanded network of contacts and friendships.

NEW will be holding an info session on October 21 to share more information, as well as an additional pre-conference event in November. Students who are interested or would like to fill out an application are encouraged to visit ualbertanew.ca.

Applications to the conference will be accepted until October 31, 11:59pm.

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YOU’RE A LEADER?!

guest article written by DEEPA MAISURIA, CA, CBV designed by ANNA LEE

If I could give you a single piece of advice on leadership, it would be this: A title may give you authority over others, but it doesn’t make you a leader. The ability to lead is predicated on whether or not you choose to uplift the people around you, no matter who they are.

If I were to ask you “who is a leader?” what would you say? A lot of people might say Elon Musk or Barack Obama, but it’s a common mistake to assume leaders are unreachable human beings. And this is an issue because when we make leadership bigger than us, we don’t allow ourselves to have the courage to be a leader.

I’ve had jobs ranging from retail, manual labour, administration, and professional. While each job was different, one thing stayed the same; I always worked with people. Working with people can be a blessing or a curse. I’ve experienced both. In fact, I’ve experienced both at the same time.

At one of my (many) previous jobs, I participated in a team-building course, where attendees ranged from admin staff up to the bosses. We worked through a lot of team building activities and were split into pairs where, coincidentally, the two bosses were paired up with each other. They were the same gender and age, but looked at the world in completely different ways.

The activity was to discuss, as a pair, what “being a

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leader” meant to us. Working with both bosses, I wasn’t surprised by their answers. One believed that a leader helps his or her team accomplish their goals, while the other believed that leaders should lead like a dictatorship. I’m not joking… there are people like this in the workforce!

The other boss, on the other hand, still maintains good relationships with all of his current and prior employees. And I refer work to him even though we no longer work together. So, rather than trying to find work all the time, work comes to him. He’s playing the long-term game.

Now, I don’t want to turn this into a gossip session, but it’s probably not surprising that I (and others) would do anything for the boss who uplifted us even though we no longer work with him. As for the other boss, let’s just say… Actually, I can’t think of anything nice to say.

Oh, did I mention these bosses no longer work together?

Don’t get me wrong, I get it. The working-world compensates you based on your individual performance, so there’s an inherent mismatch between creating an environment where leaders can thrive and actually incentivizing them to act like a leader.

In the case of the two bosses, one clearly cared about his bottom line, rather than building rapport with his teammates. He liked the money, so he treated people like they were just another “cog.” He didn’t develop trust or loyalty. But this is just short-term thinking.

In the period of time that I worked with him, turnover was huge! People left all the time because no one likes working for someone who treats them like crap.

And his reputation is as such. Trust me, the Edmonton business world is small! You can’t be a leader if no one is willing to follow you.

Anyway, I am begging you to practice being a leader while you’re still a student because that’s what it is, practice. It’s not always going to be easy because you’ll probably work with some crummy people in your group projects, but just remember that you’re building a reputation.

All in all, being a leader is your choice. You’ve probably already exhibited leadership qualities without knowing it. Have you ever: > Said or done something to make someone else’s life better? > Tried to elicit trust and promote cooperation among one another? > Acted out of selflessness?

Well then, you’re a leader. Keep practicing!

SMO CROSSWORD Have you finished the crossword puzzle in today’s Metro, but still aren’t quite feeling ready to begin your midterm revision? We’re here to help.

This puzzle serves as a handy review (or preview!) for any SMO exams you may have, without really feeling like studying.

WORD BANK Communication Connection Control Culture Leadership Management Mission Motivation Negotiation Networking Planning SMART Goals Team Vision

ACROSS

DOWN

4. Management function aimed at achieving goals by analyzing the difference between the current and desired state and taking steps to minimize that difference

10. To guide, direct, and inspire a group of people

5. Process that defines goals or objectives and the strategies or steps that need to be implemented to achieve them

13. Interacting with people to exchange information, develop contacts, and create business opportunities

6. Written declaration of an organization’s core purpose or focus to be accomplished

14. Two-way process of creating mutual understanding and meaning through the exchange of ideas and thoughts

8. A group of people who work together for a common goal

12. These must meet the criteria of being specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and timely

1. Shared attitudes, values, and customs that contribute to the unique social and psychological environment of an organization

7. Description of what an organization would like to see accomplished in the mid to longterm future

2. The organization and coordination of a business and its activities to achieve defined objectives

9. Bargaining between two or more parties seeking to reach an agreement regarding a mutual conflict or concern

3. Internal and external factors that stimulate a desire to attain a goal

11. An association between two people, things, or ideas

written by KYRA CUSVELLER & CAREY POON designed by PATRICK LI & ANNA LEE

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MOVIES RELATED TO SMO written by KARA HAUCA designed by NICHOLE CHEN & ANNA LEE

As every business student who has gone through the obligatory SMO 310 final project can attest, there are no shortage of movies that incorporate management concepts. Whether you want some ideas to pass on to future generations of SMO 310 students, or are just looking for a way to put all those SMO classes to good use from the comfort of your couch, here are some Lazy Faire-approved movies for your next Netflix binge:

MONEYBALL Based on a true story, Oakland A’s general manager, Billy Beane (Brad Pitt), tries to build the best team possible with the help of Yale economics grad Peter Brand (Jonah Hill). Despite a limited budget, they use sabermetrics to find players that are undervalued and gain a competitive advantage in their industry.

They diverge from doing business the traditional way by spending significantly less than their counterparts and pioneering a new era of baseball.

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THE WOLF OF WALL STREET Based on the life of Jordon Belfort (Leonardo Dicaprio), it follows the rise of his hugely successful firm and subsequent fall due to rampant corruption and fraud. Belfort uses peer pressure and other incentives to motivate his team to succeed. Hugely charismatic, he will do anything for a client, even if he is scamming them of their life savings. His management techniques may breed corruption, but they are wildly successful for a while.

UP IN THE AIR Ryan Bingham’s (George Clooney) job in this movie is to fly around the country and fire employees, and he does it happily, with the goal of being the 7th person in his field to travel 10 million miles. But this goal gets derailed with the introduction of a new, young employee, Natalie Keener (Anna Kendrick), who ushers in a new era of firing people over video conference. The film discusses the difficulty of integrating new technology into an existing business, as well the fact that technology can’t completely replace human interaction.

THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA Andy Sachs (Anne Hathaway) becomes a personal assistant to Miranda Priestly (Meryl Streep), the notoriously demanding editor-in-chief of the elite fashion magazine, Runway. Priestly runs the magazine with an iron fist, allowing the magazine to run stunningly smoothly, but leaving her employees in a constant state of fear. This movie could be a guide for future bosses on how not to treat your assistant, but you certainly can’t say Priestly’s methods aren’t effective.

NIGHTCRAWLER Louis Bloom (Jake Gyllenhaal) stars in this noir thriller as a former thief who gets into business as a cameraman, recording and selling graphic crimes and accidents to TV news stations. Bloom does his research on business management and learns about his industry quickly. He knows what his product is worth and manipulates people to pay what he thinks he deserves. Deciding to grow his business, largely through morally and legally questionable means, he stops at nothing to get the perfect shot and his deserved compensation.

written by RAHIQUE UM MAKTOOM HANDOO designed by DEANNA BAINS

The Difference Between SMO and HRM

Ever think SMO and Human Resource Management are basically the same thing? It can be easy to dismiss the differences between the two, given that each deals largely with people and requires minimal calculator use.

But as we have discovered this month, these two fields (while quite similar) are both interesting, unique and incredibly useful in their own respect.

Strategic Management Organization: It’s all about the managers. SMO helps us figure out how effective managers think and act in different enterprises.

Human Resources Management As the name suggests, it’s all about the people!

HRM looks at the quality of an organization’s human resources; how good employees can be managed and maintained over time.

Management Skills for Supervisors and Leaders, Interpersonal Communication and Team Management, Gender and Ethical Issues in the Workplace, Negotiations, Small Business Management and Family Business Management.

Work Force Planning, Staffing, Performance Management and Rewards, Managing the Work Force, International and Canadian Perspectives, Public Sector Employee Relations.

The diagnostic skills to understand, analyze and solve problems in organizations and the opportunity to develop leadership, social and interpersonal skills.

The knowledge of a range of strategic issues which reflect the complex, changing environment in which the management of human resources functions.

Management Consultant General and Operations Manager Project Manager Training and Development Manager Media Planner

Strategic Management Organization Club: Offers students a chance to gain management, leadership, and networking skills through events like a speaker series, conferences, competitions, special events, and fundraising projects. Keep in touch with SMO by visiting them on Facebook, Twitter (@UofA_SMO), and Instagram (@smo_ club)!

Chief Human Resources Officer Compensation Analyst Contract Recruiter Talent Acquisition Consultant Benefits Specialist

University of Alberta Human Resource Management Association: The vision of UAHRMA is to promote human resources education and career development. Through their mentorship program, resume review, mock interviews, and their annual conference, they aim to prepare all students for the workforce. You can keep up with UAHRMA on Facebook, LinkedIn, or uahrmaonline.ca.

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SMO 413 – RIGHTS IN THE WORKPLACE Knowing your workplace rights should be a priority for all of us and this course equips you with that knowledge. It examines principles of human resource management as guided by statutes and case law from courts and administrative tribunals.

Prerequisite: SMO 201 or 301. Open to third and fourth year students.

“In many classes we are only taught how to deal with issues theoretically - the textbook version of how to deal with an insubordinate or intoxicated employee. In this class, we learned about real-life grievances, if [parties] went to arbitration, and how [cases] were settled.”

SMO Courses You Didn’t Know You Could Take

Contrary to popular belief, a business degree is so much more than just accounting and finance classes (although, those can be fun too). If you’re looking for an interesting course to put on your schedule for the next year, here’s a list of some fascinating SMO courses. To back us up, we even included the opinions of some former students!

SMO 430 - INTRODUCTION TO SMALL BUSINESS MANAGEMENT A course for students interested in starting or managing a small business enterprise. Students get to visit small business sites and prepare a case analysis about their management systems.

Prerequisite: SMO 201 or 301. Open to third and fourth year students.

SMO 437 - MANAGING CULTURE SMO 412 - EFFECTIVE NEGOTIATIONS This one is a crowd favourite, and as the name suggests, it’s a study of negotiation theory and practice. It includes negotiation simulations so you get a chance to put those negotiation skills to the test!

Prerequisite: SMO 201 or 301. Open to third and fourth year students.

This course explores how organizational and work-group culture affects management. It also touches on how a nation’s culture impacts business in foreign settings.

Prerequisite: SMO 201 or 301. Open to third and fourth year students.

“Culture surrounds us everywhere we go; it’s a very relevant topic and new perspectives come out every class, so there’s never a dull moment.”

“After a month in, I can confidently say this is a great class! Negotiation can be used in all facets in life. It’s a great skill to have, period. One thing that I was surprised to learn was all the different techniques there are to negotiating, and how easily they can be applied to real life. Kijiji, here I come!!”

SMO 404 - INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION AND TEAM MANAGEMENT A course filled with role play and personal skill development, it focuses on the face-to-face communication process. It includes topics like supervisorsubordinate relationships, influence and persuasion, conflict management, and performance appraisal.

Prerequisite: SMO 201 or 301. Open to third and fourth year students.

“It is an eye opening course that will, without a doubt, improve your communication skills and relationships with others. The best part of this class is that you are required to monitor and reflect upon your own personal growth, which improves your communication skills and also helps to enhance your understanding of course material.” written by RAHIQUE UM MAKTOOM HANDOO designed by MAGGIE LAM

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SMO 450 - INTERNET STRATEGY FOR SMALL BUSINESS In a world that’s more online than offline, this course focuses on how consultants prepare client organizations (especially small businesses and not-for-profit/volunteer organizations) to include the Internet as part of their business strategy. Students get to prepare advisory reports for a real business or not-for-profit organization.

Prerequisite: MIS 311 or permission of Instructor.

LAZY CHAT

JONATHAN NISAR

LAZY CHAT

This month Lazy Faire sat down with Jonathan Nisar, marketing major and co-chair of Alberta Energy Challenge, to talk to him about his last semester and to get his advice on how a student can make the most of their short time in the School of Business.

written by KARA HAUCA designed by ANNA LEE photographed by ADRIENNE LEUNG

How do you balance extracurricular activities and schoolwork?

I’m not sure if there is an easy answer to this, but being involved and trying things out is very important if you want to grow as a person. One of the most significant things to remember is to not make the School of Business your whole life. Being involved in clubs, social outings and other interests outside of Business is really what makes you as a person. You grow not just as a university student, but as a business student when you interact with people outside of the faculty. You inadvertently bring those experiences back to school. I think a lot of people miss that.

When you get involved, make sure it’s something you’re doing for yourself. Don’t be doing it for your resume. You are only here for a short period of time - do things that you are actually passionate about. Don’t worry about what it looks like on paper. It’s not about how many things you have on the resume, but how you can dedicate yourself to each of those things.

What has been the best class you have taken during

your BCom degree?

I took BUEC 444, which is a study tour to China.

I think getting an international perspective on the world helps creativity in general. It really opens your eyes on the way the world works.

The class was perfectly scheduled to balance sightseeing such as walking the Great Wall and seeing the Terra Cotta Warriors with visits of businesses and corporations such as General Electric and GM. When I was in China, I had the opportunity to present in front of Sinopec, which is a Chinese national oil and gas company based in Beijing.

I had an opportunity to do a presentation about Canada to the President, VP and management. We did the presentation and knocked it out of the park. It was always a goal of mine to be able to speak comfortably in front of big head corporates and I was able to keep them engaged in something they didn’t know about; I felt good about it!

What advice do you have for new business students?

You have to be open to ideas. As rough as it sounds, you have to put away the idea you are the smartest guy in the room, because chances are, you’re not. There will be always someone who knows more.

Find ways to get involved, especially in your first and second year, so you can explore your interests. You don’t want to wait until your fourth year to find out what you really like or what you’re into. Starting early allows you to hit the ground running when it comes to your final year looking for jobs. By then, chances are you’ve already made connections.

You don’t want to be scrambling to do that in your final years. You want to already have a network to tap into.

Treat every new person you meet like your boss. I know it sounds tough, but if you treat them like your senior, mentally, all of a sudden you will find yourself being more open to their ideas and you’ll be respectful. I think that’s a good challenge to work on in your first year.

Don’t take yourself too seriously. I’ve learned in the School of Business that the most successful businesses are very collaborative.

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