Monthly Post: Communication (and Diligence) is Key

Two weeks ago, I came to the Music Store for my bass lesson, only to meet a dejected face of an employee.

As it turns out, my bass teacher wasn't there.

He had called an hour before the lesson, saying that he had already told the person on the counter on the Wednesday that he wouldn't be coming that Saturday. He thought that the person had already called his students... And the person didn't.

Last time I saw my bass teacher, which was last Saturday, he said that that wasn't a good thing. It's that kind of unreliable communications between the teacher, the store, and the students that would cost him students, and the person on the counter that previous Sunday had a chance to call all the students, and didn't.

Yet another reason why keeping up communications is important.

Mentorship Notes - 11/30/2013

Monthly Post for November: The Delicate Art of Advertising (The Store)

Without customers, a store is nothing if not a black hole of money. So how do you get customers? By advertising, of course.

The Music Store has been trying to get new exposure, and they've been doing this several ways:

1) Social Networking - They have a facebook page (click here!). And you can absolutely follow them at instagram at @tmsthemusicstore. The store is also on Yelp.

2) Flyers at local businesses' bulletin boards - Actually, let's go into details about this one.

We've spent some time brainstorming this, things like how the flyers are going to be distributed, where to put them, and how to talk to the business owners so they would agree to us putting the flyers there.

The flyers are going to be distributed inside a Tyvek 'flyer holder' that we can double tape or thumbtack onto a bulleting board. The Tyvek flyer holders are all handmade from Tyvek envelops cut in half, a big sticker that says FREE MUSIC LESSONS! so it would grab attention, and stiff paper as backing so it wouldn't be so flimsy.

A pretty good drawing of the envelop, if I do say so myself.

When we were thinking of the business to approach for these flyers, we tried to think local, mom-and-pop, or often-frequented-by-children-or-parents. So there were a lot of small-chain establishments (like Farmers' Boys and It's A Grind Coffee Shop) and afterschool or extracurriculars for kids (e.g. community centers, martial arts studio, dance studios). And we also threw in some salons and hobby shops, so we can reach the moms as well.

The list!

So right now, we're checking whether the stores we had listed would allow us to do this, either by phone call or just actually going there. There is huge emphasis on making it clear to the establishments that if they allow us to advertise on their place, they could advertise on ours. We scratch their backs, they scratch ours.

We're going to touch on more with the flyers later on. The envelopes/flyer holders would probably be made by next week, so I can get on distributin'.

Mentorship Notes - 11/23/2013

Blog 9: EQ

I reviewed the rule of three for writing an EQ.

2. Review the following EQs and (1) tell us if it meets the rule of 3 criteria; and (2) tell why it does or why it doesn't.

a. What is the most important factor in healthy weight loss?

This meet the rule of 3 criteria.

Assuming that their topic is 'healthy weight loss', this EQ will require them to research the several different ways of healthy weight loss and observe the similarities, differences, and parallels of each technique. This encourages breadth and depth of research. They then will be able to choose from the observations the 'factor' they believe to be the most important, allowing them to take a stance. The question itself is simple and understandable, and therefore has good format.

b.  What is most important to securing a conviction in a criminal investigation?

This EQ does not meets the rule of 3 criteria.

This EQ will allow them to research into what's needed to convict in a criminal investigation, but I feel that this is very specific to one process. It doubt it would give much insight into whatever their topic this--I don't even know what their topic is, looking at this EQ. A lot of occupations (and occupations are often very good topics) can 'secure convictions', like private investigator, police officer, detective, prosecutor, judge, forensic science (a bit of a stretch but still applicable if one insists).

   In addition, the format bothers me. I think it could be better phrased.

c.  What is most important in creating a hairstyle that best satisfies a customer?

This EQ does not meet the rule of 3 criteria.

Creating hairstyles is a job that are done by several occupations: salon owner or hairstylist. I understand that they are about the same aside from their managerial power, but I would appreciate further details regardless. If the person's topic is commercial hairstyling, then this EQ would be good. If the person's topic is salon ownership, then there is definitely more to be said.

Format is good and well. And the answer to this question can have a list and facts, but these will all ultimately lead to an answer.

d.  How can an Anesthesiologist best treat chronic pain?

This EQ does not meet the rule of 3 criteria.

The answer to this EQ will essentially be a factual list of anesthetic treatments specific to chronic pain. The answer might be able to argue a stance such as 'this treatment is better than that treatment', but it wouldn't give much depth into their topic, which I assume to be Anesthesiology. I want to see further details into Anesthesiology aside from an anesthesiologist's answer to treating chronic pain.

Format is of no problem.

3.  Based on your review of the rule of 3 and your experience with assessing four EQs, please write another draft EQ for your senior project.

What does it take to effectively run a music store?

Mentorship Notes - 11/16/2013

Mentorship Notes - 11/09/2013

Mentorship Notes - 10/26/2013

Mentorship Notes - 10/23/2013

Independent Component: Let's Get Down To Business

Contrary to what might possibly be popular believe, I actually don't like the title 'Let's Get Down To Business'. At all. But I wanted to put a phrase that has the word 'business' in it, so I'll make do.

I thought that I already dwelled enough about the music-side of music store operations and need to know  more about the business side. So on October 15th, I went to a workshop in Chino for small business owners. It's sponsored by the Los Angeles Regional SBDC (Small Business Development Center), a small business assistance network in the national Small Business Administration.

The workshop took place in Chino's Carolyn Owens Community Center.

Carolyn Owens Community Center's Chino Business Resource Center.

The workshop itself and the speaker of the workshop, Robert Usher.

Click here for a gallery of papers that they gave us.

Blog 8: Research and Working EQ

1. What is your working EQ? & 2. What is a possible answer to your working EQ? Please write the answer in thesis format.

EQ: What does it take to effectively operate a music store?

• Organization and coordination. Each record of sales, of new items coming in, of student paying for a new term in lessons, etc. is carefully kept for future reference. Also take care to keep the schedule of classes for each teacher up to date. This will limit future problems of conflicting information (such as class time) between the store, the teachers, and the client, which is important when half of the business essentially deals in people's time.
• Backbone. As with operating most businesses, there will be people out there who'd try to take advantage of you. Don't let them.
• Knowledge. Know the store's system well. Know the discount programs for the students or the procedure that needs to be done whenever there is a sale, or the procedure when signing up new students. Know basic maintenance of the store's rental instruments. Know basic knowledge of the instruments and accessories that the store sells in order to be able to help the customers more.

3. What is the most important source you have used that has helped you come up with an answer to your working EQ? 

My summer mentorship + regular mentorship (which will happen in the same place as my summer one).

4. Who is your mentor, or where are you volunteering, and how does what you are doing relate to your working EQ?

My mentor is Gene Iacono, and for my project, I've been volunteering in his store, the Music Store, which doubles as a store providing sales and rentals of instruments and a music school. My mentorship puts me exactly where my topic is and gives me the frontline view of how things work in a music store works.

Independent Component 1 Approval

1. Describe in detail what you plan to do for your 30 hours.

- Lessons for bass guitar
- Business courses/workshops/seminars
- (possibly) Guitar building/repairs courses
- Instrument maintenance at home (I own a few)
- Instrument product evaluations

2. Discuss how or what you will do to meet the expectation of showing 30 hours of evidence.

Lessons: I'll have my bass teacher sign a lesson attendance form.

Business lessons, etc.: I'll scan up the notes I take during the class. Maybe write an essay summarizing the things I've learned each day/class.

Guitar building/repairs courses & instrument maintenance at home: I'll take pictures and write description filled captions for them.

Instrument product evaluations: I think a legitimate, 5 paragraph review would be too much, so I'll make a simple form to fill out that list out the good and the bad of each product and the price.

3. And explain how what you will be doing will help you explore your topic in more depth.

Bass lessons: I can see the students-customers' experience from their point of view if I am one myself.

Business lessons: Running a music store is not just about the instruments. It's a business after all. Knowing how to run a business will be beneficial to run a successful music store.

'Guitar building...' & 'Instrument maintenance...': Getting hands on with instruments can help me become more familiar with them. The more I know about instruments parts, the more I can help solve customers' problems with their instruments.

Instrument product...: If I know the pros and cons of each products, I can suggest items to each customers' wants and needs more accordingly.

Individual Components Options

I've been looking over some possible Individual Components for my topic, and I've decided that I would mainly aim for business courses. After all, a lot (or all, really) of the information I do for research check are instrument care-related, and that's not enough information to run a business.

I have to think about my schedule (which is already pretty filled up, yikes...) and still make space for mentorship (and it's most likely to end up on the weekends), so I'm considering online courses.

Some links:

http://www.sba.gov/

- A government-sponsored website providing aid, information, and courses for people who are interested in starting a small business.

http://www.ed2go.com/online-courses/start-your-own-business?tab=detail

- An online course I considered taking. Sponsored by CalPoly Pomona!

http://smallbiztrends.com/2012/11/free-online-education-courses-small-business.html

- A list of, as the title said, free online education courses for small businesses.

http://smallbizla.org/calendar/

- A calendar filled with business-related workshops of an organization based in LA.

http://www.free-ed.net/free-ed/

- A website that provides lessons in business management.

I'm a bit concerned on whether some of these would count, especially the online courses ones. I'm planning to ask soon.

It's too late for this quarter, but I am thinking about taking a business course in CalPoly Pomona. I'll have to research more into it.

I'll also have to think about using my bass lessons as a part of my Individual Component. Anything that can help will help.

Blog 6: Second Interview Questions

1.  Who is your mentor and where do they work?

My mentor will be Gene Iacono. He works in the Music Store, which he owns, and also in several other fields depending on the season.

2.  What five questions will ask them about their background?

• Could you give me a brief history of the Music Store?
• What prompted you to create the Music Store?
• What other occupations have you held?
• How long have you been acquainted with the music field?
• Do you believe that any of your former occupation has helped in managing the store? If so, which?

Blog 5 Project Reflection and Working EQ

1. Positive Statement: What positive thing happen as a result of what you have completed so far?
As a result of what I've completed so far in this project, I've grown to be more knowledgeable about many instruments and have also became closer to the music store/school I've been going to for years, but yet not close to. This is also my first direct look to the behind the scenes of retail, and though the owner has told me that each type of retail store (grocery, music, clothing, etc.) tends to work differently from each other, I still think I can learn something about retail in general.

2. EQ Content:  Pick a piece of research or your interview.  How has it helped you improve your understanding of your topic?
I actually just had an interview today with my summer mentor, Gene Iacono. The interview has shown me that there are a lot of things involved with running a music store and there is almost zero guide to it except for experience. This interview has also shown me how sellers and customers in this industry tend to be the same type of people--musicians--therefore they tend to think in a similar wavelength. This probably applies to other retail fields as well.

3. What has worked for you so far in the senior project?
I've decided to take a few weeks off mentorship in order to figure out a sure schedule, so that I wouldn't have to force my mentors to work around an everchanging schedule. I did think that this just seemed like a cop out on my part, but I've proven myself wrong today; I had to reschedule an interview at the last minute due to an event that overlapped with the interview time.

I'm taking on a lot of things this year. This break has allowed me to assess which days I will have available for any interviews or mentorship and to figure out some kind of structure to my busy days. If I am able to organize my time, my days may be busy but it wouldn't be hectic. And that'd help.

4. What hasn't worked so far?  
Doing things on the fly, as I tend to do, does not and will not work well this year. I may be willing to stay up late to do homework, stick around at school until 8PM for, etc. But it doesn't mean that others might be. I can't afford to weigh people, like my mentors, family, and friends, down with my kneejerk way of doing things.

I also definitely cannot keep my contacts (mentors, interviewees) in the dark about any changes. I think the interview today could've gone a lot smoother if I had figured out things before.

5. Finding Value:  
 What is a potential question you would like to study this year?  (working EQ)
'What does it take to run a music store?' or 'How do you effectively run a music store?'

What do you plan to do for mentorship?  If you haven't found a mentor yet, then discuss where you are currently looking and who you are talking to to find it.  
I will be continuing my mentorship at the music store and will be attempting to try to find other mentors in the music retail field. My mentor has suggested that I talk to teachers as well so not only would I have the perspective of a student and an employee, but also of a faculty.

August Blog: I Changed My Topic. Just Kidding.

For someone who told herself she's really considering to change her senior topic to guitar repairs, I haven't really done anything about it.

It's August 29 now. Any topic change is due tomorrow. So, you know. Too late.

I mean, my current topic, Music Store Operations, isn't bad. Not at all. I absolutely love my mentorship place (the Music Store), and I genuinely did like learning about instruments even if it's just for cleaning them. But to be absolutely honest, I got lucky. It's fortunate that I've been around the music store for some years now and they know me well enough that they allowed me to do my mentorship there.

But knowing guitar repairs would've been cool. It's somewhat a primary instrument of mine.

Moral of the story? Future IPoly seniors: HUSTLE. When they say you better get on with your topic, they mean it. There isn't as much time as you think there is because days pass quicker than people tend to think they do. Grab any opportunity you see, hunt for them, and don't take them for granted at all, especially when it's a chance of mentorship in a topic you're fond of. You will have time to change your topic after your summer mentorship, but it is not much time. Get that mentorship secured as soon as possible.

But don't be anxious; as long as you keep moving, keeping up with everything and doing them early at any chance to do so, you're good.

[Basically don't be like the procastinator me. It's barely a month into the school year and I'm already feeling it. Listen to your (recently) upperclassmen when they try to warn you about things because most of them truly means what they say and really meant well. I really should've listened to Genevieve when she said I should hurry...]

Blog 4: Interview Preparation

1. Who do you plan to interview? Why?

I plan to interview the owner of the Music Store I had my summer mentorship in, Gene Iacono. We have a good relationship between us, and he has extensive knowledge in music related fields and is very involved with his store. He knows a lot about how his store works and was very happy to teach the inner workings to me. I think he would be a great interviewee for my topic and could also recommend to me other people to interview.

2. You have to ask 5 questions.  What additional questions do you plan to ask?

• How did you become interested in opening a music store?
• Over my mentorship, I've learned that you have been in the music industry for a very long time. What musical occupations have you had? Do having previous experience in other music-related positions help with operating a music store? If yes, how so?

Blog Assignment 3: Topic Choice and Semester 1 ESLR Goals

1. List your topic here: Music Store Operations, or Guitar Repairs

2. What do you plan to do this year to show growth in each of the ESLRs?

• Effective Learner:
  I didn't do the best I could in school during my junior year, due to some reasons. I'll be aiming for straight AE's this year, and I think that I could at least improve this situation slightly by finding ways to either solve or work around my personal problems while doing schoolwork.
• Effective Communicator:
  I've been thinking of starting a discussion club since the end of last year. I think that a discussion club can promote the effectiveness of listening and knowing the views of people who believe differently than you, of how this could help in solving problems that affect the entire group.
• Effective User of Technology:
  Throughout my life, I've fiddled a lot with Office and Photo/Video editing software. I plan to learn new techniques and easier ways to do things as I create articles during the school year, such as finding a better way to add text into a footage, etc.
• Effective IPoly Citizen:
  I've been tardy a lot my junior year, so I aim to fix that by waking up earlier. In addition, I've also became a bit cynical on team projects. I need to perk up a bit; team projects are complicated in how there's a lot of organization and responsibility going around, and me being 'jaded' and lazy about it won't really help any bad situations. So I aim to work harder and be more involved in team projects.

Blog 2: Summer Mentorship

1) My Summer Mentorship Log: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/pub?key=0At3QKup-j6vHdC1yel9RQkNPdFJTLWNJSk5CMkY2UXc&output=html
(Notes taken during the mentorship and pictures of the store: https://plus.google.com/photos/100057649066833535168/albums/5910688707107408657)

2) Contact Number: Gene Iacono - (909)-598-1921

3) Questions that were raised in the 10 hours of mentorship:

• How does the store handle rentals? (the owner has told me that rentals are lacking during the summer but booms during the school year)
• Where does the store find their music teachers? Do they put a listing in a newspaper? Perhaps ask a current teacher for suggestions?
• How does the store handle a student that hasn't paid tuition in a while?
• In the event of a rental instrument being returned absolutely broken, how do we talk to the student about it?

4) What is the most important thing you gained from this experience? Why?
Through this mentorship, I've learned that there are many aspects to operating a music store or a business, such as bookkeeping, accounting, inventory orders, product care, and customer handling. By themselves, each of these seems like small chores. But these are all key to the running the store. As the store's owner frequently said to me, the employees there make cupcakes out of crumbs, and nothing there runs by itself.

5) How did what you did help you choose a topic? Please explain.
I've decided to choose 'operating a music store' as my topic due to me finding out that there are a lot of things I can learn about instruments in this store. This opportunity to learn furthermore about instruments and how they work is appealing to me. Despite me not being a trumpet player, I found that learning about its parts, even through just cleaning it, is pretty neat. The fact that I also got to learn some guitar care as well is also very cool. Music is not a life passion of mine, but I definitely love it. I want to be near it in any way and this is one way to do that.
In addition, the store also gave me a glimpse into running a business. My mother has been interested in starting a business for a while. While it would sell different products than what the music store has, I feel that my experience in a store would still help out a bit in her venture.

Blog 1: 2013 2-Hour Presentation Reflections

Blog 1: 2013 2-Hour Presentation Reflections

Label:  Research
Due Date:  Monday, June 11th by 8AM

1. What presentations did you see?  Name the topic and the person's first name.

1) Natalie N. - Weight Loss

2) Sebastian Y. - Woodworking

3) Natalie O. - Interior Design

4) Antonio A. - Locksmithing

5) Alicia R. - Child Life Specialist

6) Brittany H. - Clinical Social Work Therapy

7) Manuel G. - Healthy Mexican Food

8) Cristopher H. - Video Game Journalism

9) Saul A. - Firefighting (but he transferred schools, so we had a free block)

10) Eric S. - Running a Skateshope

11) Angel D. - Political Campaigns

12) Cherokee M. - Animal Control

13) Jocelyn D. - Physical Fitness

14) Zhailah G. - Anesthesiology

2. (Need to know) What questions do you have that haven't been answered about the senior project? This can be about the senior project in general, any components or about a presentation topic you saw or what they said.  

Woodworking - Would wood carving be considered a part of woodworking?

Interior Design - What is most important in redecorating a residential bedroom?

- Would the tips given be able to be applied to the redecoration of other rooms like offices or living rooms?

Lock smithing - Is it possible to rekey padlocks?

Child care Specialist - Do the child care specialist base their suggestion of medicine on how the children react their prescripted medicine?

Clinical Social Worker - If the social worker's client is a family member instead of someone with a romantic relationship, is the bias still anticipated?  

Healthy Mexican Food - What counts as a non-authentic Mexican food? Is authenticity determined by the meal's ingredients?

Game Journalism - Are video games judged similarly to how movies are reviewed, considering their similarities?

3. What has the most important part of the senior project based on what you are seeing in the 2-hour presentations?

Hitting the time requirements. It is a very simple thing, but it seems rather difficult to fulfill as it looked like presentation and talking time was the last thing on the presentator's mind.

4. What topic are you considering doing and why?

I'm thinking of doing music production. I like music and I always felt like music producers are the hidden aces of the music industry. It'd be awesome to know the details of what they do and their techniques, because I only know a little bit about them.