Here I go again, another Apple post! However, this one is a little more jobs focused, as in Steve Jobs.
I recently became aware that Hollywood is doing a rendition of Steve Jobs' and Steve Wozniak's fantastic journey to the top from the California garage in which they started. Obviously, my first question was, who will play Jobs? It's an impossible feat! Once I googled the movie, I immediately found out it would be Ashton Kutcher. At first, I had mixed feelings about this. For one, I definitely think Ashton has the look down, the scraggly beard, skinny and emaciated body, bony facial structure. However, I seemed to doubt Ashton's acting capacity. I still think of Ashton as the funny Kelso from That 70's Show or the stoner from Dude, Where's My Car? Would he have the ability to pull off the deep psychological aspects that characterize Steve? Is he able to portray the intensity, the passion, the temper, the reality distortion feild??
Coming from someone who basically idolizes Steve Jobs, I am doubtful that Ashton Kutcher will be able to pull off this amazing feat, a feat that no doubt would be hard for even DeNiro or Clooney to do. The reason why is because Steve was such a dynamic person, filled with paradoxes. His dream and passion was to do the impossible by creating products for consumers that they would love. He ignored the complexities of technologies and pushed for a simplistic approach to computers. He was a simple guy himself, following Buddhist practices of fasting, eating the most purest of foods around the world (which was fruit, hence the name Apple), and had a problem with filling his house with furniture because he was such a perfectionist. So what made Steve so successful? Was it his drive? His temper? His ability to literally distort reality and convince people they could do the impossible? To me, it was a mixture of all of these. He had a knack for knowing what people want and an appreciation for quality. In terms of a marketer, he was purely genius. He was known for saying, "Consumers do not know what they want until we show them." This is obviously a backward approach, coming from a marketing student myself. We are taught so heavily in school to give the consumer what they want, when Steve takes a totally different approach. He was always pushing the envelope, doing things differently, and in laments terms, really pissing people off.
However, after looking on Mashable, I must say I am respectful of Kutcher for trying. There was an article describing Ashton's journey through making the movie and how it 'changed his life.' In order to prepare for the role, he downloaded thousands of clips of Steve's voice, studying them daily in order to get his voice down. He also took on Jobs' crazy eating habits and recently made headline news when his pancreas failed, which happens to be no surprise since pancreatic cancer was the taker of Steve. So, I must say I give him credit for putting in the amount of effort he is.
It will be interesting to see how Ashton does in the role. Hopefully, he does Steve Jobs justice!
Source:
http://mashable.com/2013/01/31/kutcher-macworld/
Thursday, January 31, 2013
Friday, January 25, 2013
Hey Microsoft, Here's Why Apple Still Gets the Girl
Ok, to start off this blog, I think the reader needs to know a little background information on me.
I am Apple obsessed.
I never thought I would wind up being in love with an inanimate object, a product, or a company at that. But it's the truth and I have faced it, embraced it, and now see it as a part of me. My friends and family know this about me because I NEVER stop blabbing about them, like a little girl with a crush! I am constantly defending them, converting people to their products, and I am even on a quest to work for them by applying for the At Home Adviser position at UGA. But that's another story in itself. However, I thought the reader should get a warning before moving on: I may be blabbing about Apple a lot on here, be prepared...
Anyways, the reason for this specific blog is because I came by an interesting video on Businessweek titled "Hey Microsoft, Here's Why Apple Still Gets the Girl". This caught my attention instantly not only because of Apple but because of the title itself. So I watched the video and loved what they did with it. They compared the plight of Microsoft moving into a consumer market dominated by Apple to the movie Pretty in Pink. Apple was compared to Blane, the rich kid with cool clothes, yet a bit of a sensitive personality. Microsoft was compared to Duckie, the dork, who basically would do anything for you to like him. Both are trying to get Molly Ringwald (the consumer) in their own ways. But, we all know how this story ends, Molly ends up with Blane in her arms, and most consumers end up with Apple in their hands, out of pure chemistry.
So what makes Apple so much better than Microsoft? Or is it? Some argue it's the style. The way everything seamlessly works on Macs and iPhones. The products are a lot less bulky and to put it simply, they're like a piece of art. Microsoft's problem is that "they don't have taste," explained Steve Jobs several times and I think I would have to agree. Let's face it, Windows isn't the most visually stunning or overall appealing operating system out there. It's good for business and that's about it. However, there is an argument for Microsoft here. Apple loves to keep its operating systems as closed as a beautiful garden, away from any buggy apps or finicky programs. Windows, on the other hand, embraces the open system and allows their programs to be licensed out to anyone who wants it. So what is better? A solid operating system that will deliver anytime, but may be restricted? Or an open operating system that may crash on occasion? I'll leave it up to the reader to decide, but I think my answer is obvious...
I really like how Businessweek did this piece by utilizing the video to explain an important comparison. I like how news sources are starting to use all these new forms of media and especially social media. I think it's making information a lot easier to access and honestly is creating a smarter and more informed society. I can't wait to see how else the news world will evolve as both Apple and Microsoft continue to compete and release even more amazing products and technology.
Source:
http://www.businessweek.com/videos/2013-01-23/hey-microsoft-heres-why-apple-still-gets-the-girl
I am Apple obsessed.
I never thought I would wind up being in love with an inanimate object, a product, or a company at that. But it's the truth and I have faced it, embraced it, and now see it as a part of me. My friends and family know this about me because I NEVER stop blabbing about them, like a little girl with a crush! I am constantly defending them, converting people to their products, and I am even on a quest to work for them by applying for the At Home Adviser position at UGA. But that's another story in itself. However, I thought the reader should get a warning before moving on: I may be blabbing about Apple a lot on here, be prepared...
Anyways, the reason for this specific blog is because I came by an interesting video on Businessweek titled "Hey Microsoft, Here's Why Apple Still Gets the Girl". This caught my attention instantly not only because of Apple but because of the title itself. So I watched the video and loved what they did with it. They compared the plight of Microsoft moving into a consumer market dominated by Apple to the movie Pretty in Pink. Apple was compared to Blane, the rich kid with cool clothes, yet a bit of a sensitive personality. Microsoft was compared to Duckie, the dork, who basically would do anything for you to like him. Both are trying to get Molly Ringwald (the consumer) in their own ways. But, we all know how this story ends, Molly ends up with Blane in her arms, and most consumers end up with Apple in their hands, out of pure chemistry.
So what makes Apple so much better than Microsoft? Or is it? Some argue it's the style. The way everything seamlessly works on Macs and iPhones. The products are a lot less bulky and to put it simply, they're like a piece of art. Microsoft's problem is that "they don't have taste," explained Steve Jobs several times and I think I would have to agree. Let's face it, Windows isn't the most visually stunning or overall appealing operating system out there. It's good for business and that's about it. However, there is an argument for Microsoft here. Apple loves to keep its operating systems as closed as a beautiful garden, away from any buggy apps or finicky programs. Windows, on the other hand, embraces the open system and allows their programs to be licensed out to anyone who wants it. So what is better? A solid operating system that will deliver anytime, but may be restricted? Or an open operating system that may crash on occasion? I'll leave it up to the reader to decide, but I think my answer is obvious...
I really like how Businessweek did this piece by utilizing the video to explain an important comparison. I like how news sources are starting to use all these new forms of media and especially social media. I think it's making information a lot easier to access and honestly is creating a smarter and more informed society. I can't wait to see how else the news world will evolve as both Apple and Microsoft continue to compete and release even more amazing products and technology.
Source:
http://www.businessweek.com/videos/2013-01-23/hey-microsoft-heres-why-apple-still-gets-the-girl
Thursday, January 10, 2013
7 Ways to Be a Stress Free Workaholic
I have returned from my blogging hiatus only after some long searching and forgotten passwords to receive my AP Lit blog from high school. Although now I will not be blogging about classic novels and works, Ernest Hemmingway, or Hamlet, I have switched my attention to social media. To me, social media is kind of like our literature of today, giving us insights and connections as to what it is like living in the 21st century.
While I was on LinkedIn today, a professional social media tool, I came across an interesting article from the company Inc titled "7 Ways to Be a Stress Free Workaholic". I read into it because for a while now I have had the intuition that I'm going to be a crazy workaholic in my career. So I gave the article a try and found some great tips:
1. Work your tail off when you have to, not when you don't: this is basically saying that business comes in spurts. It's ok to work your tail off when you're busy but it's important that when you are slower, to take time for yourself and actually breathe a little.
2. Learn to give up--sort of: when you're getting frustrated and nothing is going right or the juices just aren't flowing, sometimes it's a good idea just to quit. Somethings aren't meant for everybody so it doesn't necessarily mean you will succeed at everything. That doesn't mean, however, quitting right away. Giving up something should only come when you've hit the end of the road, when you have tried everything possible to make what you want happen.
3. Strategize and plan: instead of getting caught up in the craziness of everyday life, sometimes it's a good idea to step back and gain some perspective. This could mean individually or in a team. Say your project is stuck on coming up with ideas, take your group out for dinner! Most of the time when you are relaxed and when the environment is relaxed is when the best ideas are made.
4. Mix business with pleasure: I think this has a lot to do with the person job fit. It's important that your values match the values of the company you are working for. Always aim toward your passion and you'll usually be a lot happier. And work doesn't have to be work all the time. Incorporating fun activities into your work will make the whole experience a lot more interesting.
5. Don't leave things for the last minute: everyone knows this one and yet it continues to be one of the hardest tasks people struggle with. You'll be amazed by how helpful it is to get started on an assignment early or even getting to the airport a couple hours earlier. The more time you create for yourself, the less stressed out you will be.
6. Don't take it out on others: pick an outlet that does not involve you taking your frustrations out on other people. That is the worst way to de-motivate your team and eventually end up very lonely. Instead, it is good to give constant motivation and empower people to make them want to work to the best of their abilities. Everyone will be happier that way.
7. Lots of outlets work--pick one or two: think of all the things out there to help you get through your work day- red bulls, 5 hour energy shots, coffee, even medicines. Using these occasionally can help you to get through those busy times but if you rely on them too much, you'll run yourself dry. Instead choose an outlet that is better for your body, like exercise. Personally, I like to do yoga in my free time not only because it is great on your body but also because it gives me a moment to breathe and focus on myself.
I'm really glad I came across this article because it gave me a few places to focus on when I'm feeling too stressed out. This will help me in school but hopefully down the road from now when I start my career. Hopefully this can help you too!
While I was on LinkedIn today, a professional social media tool, I came across an interesting article from the company Inc titled "7 Ways to Be a Stress Free Workaholic". I read into it because for a while now I have had the intuition that I'm going to be a crazy workaholic in my career. So I gave the article a try and found some great tips:
1. Work your tail off when you have to, not when you don't: this is basically saying that business comes in spurts. It's ok to work your tail off when you're busy but it's important that when you are slower, to take time for yourself and actually breathe a little.
2. Learn to give up--sort of: when you're getting frustrated and nothing is going right or the juices just aren't flowing, sometimes it's a good idea just to quit. Somethings aren't meant for everybody so it doesn't necessarily mean you will succeed at everything. That doesn't mean, however, quitting right away. Giving up something should only come when you've hit the end of the road, when you have tried everything possible to make what you want happen.
3. Strategize and plan: instead of getting caught up in the craziness of everyday life, sometimes it's a good idea to step back and gain some perspective. This could mean individually or in a team. Say your project is stuck on coming up with ideas, take your group out for dinner! Most of the time when you are relaxed and when the environment is relaxed is when the best ideas are made.
4. Mix business with pleasure: I think this has a lot to do with the person job fit. It's important that your values match the values of the company you are working for. Always aim toward your passion and you'll usually be a lot happier. And work doesn't have to be work all the time. Incorporating fun activities into your work will make the whole experience a lot more interesting.
5. Don't leave things for the last minute: everyone knows this one and yet it continues to be one of the hardest tasks people struggle with. You'll be amazed by how helpful it is to get started on an assignment early or even getting to the airport a couple hours earlier. The more time you create for yourself, the less stressed out you will be.
6. Don't take it out on others: pick an outlet that does not involve you taking your frustrations out on other people. That is the worst way to de-motivate your team and eventually end up very lonely. Instead, it is good to give constant motivation and empower people to make them want to work to the best of their abilities. Everyone will be happier that way.
7. Lots of outlets work--pick one or two: think of all the things out there to help you get through your work day- red bulls, 5 hour energy shots, coffee, even medicines. Using these occasionally can help you to get through those busy times but if you rely on them too much, you'll run yourself dry. Instead choose an outlet that is better for your body, like exercise. Personally, I like to do yoga in my free time not only because it is great on your body but also because it gives me a moment to breathe and focus on myself.
I'm really glad I came across this article because it gave me a few places to focus on when I'm feeling too stressed out. This will help me in school but hopefully down the road from now when I start my career. Hopefully this can help you too!
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