To be themselves Essay Example for Free

To be themselves Essay In society today, most people can be themselves. Most do not feel the need to hide who they truly are anymore while some still can only â€Å"half express [themselves]† because they are embarrassed of the â€Å"idea which each of [them] represents† (186). I feel as if there is still too little emphasis on self-reliance and individualism in America today, because some are still ashamed of themselves and rely on others too much. As the years pass, fewer people discriminate, but there are still many that still do, causing others to â€Å"half express [themselves]† (186). Gays and lesbians are afraid to come out of the closet because they were told that it wasn’t right to be anything but straight. Society made them feel ashamed of themselves. They might give off hints and their friends might be able to tell, but they would never actually come out. If individualism was stressed more, gays or lesbians would no longer need to hide who they truly are. Even worse, proposition 8 restricts the definition of marriage to opposite-sex couples only. They would be accepted, but as of now, they are not because there is not enough emphasis on individualism. â€Å"No kernel of nourishing corn† will just appear out of thin air; only â€Å"through [their] toil bestowed† will something of that sort happen (185). People can’t expect to receive something when they didn’t work for it. For example, homeless people depend on other people’s sympathy and donations to survive. Rather than getting off their butts and finding a job, they sit around waiting for help to come to them. If self-reliance was strained some more, maybe we’d have less homeless people standing in corners begging for money in the world. They’d be out looking for jobs, but in the meantime, there are homeless shelters and soup kitchens to help them, until they can get back on their feet because there is not enough emphasis on self-reliance. If Emerson were still alive today, he would be disappointed, but he would feel as if he got most of his message through. Even though some are still a little uncomfortable with whom they are and too dependent on others, most people aren’t afraid to show off their individuality or depend on themselves. In society today, there is not enough emphasis on self-reliance and individualism because people still depend on others for help and are afraid to show their true colors. If life was based on Emerson’s ideas, the world would be full of hardworking citizens and discrimination would not exist.

Starbucks Pricing and Promotion Strategies

Starbucks Pricing and Promotion Strategies Starbucks has always been the venue one would receive the best coffees. However, in the 1970s, one had to travel all the way to their one and only store in Seattle Historic Pike Place Market. The name Starbucks rose from the classic American novel, Herman Melvilles Moby Dick. Thanks to Howard Schultz, Starbucks eventually expanded out of Seattle in the 1990s. First to the United States and eventually out to the rest of the world. Now, Starbucks has more than 9000 locations in over 30 countries. Not only that, Starbucks now serves espresso, lattes, Frappucino and many other interesting beverages. MARKET TARGETING Starbucks initially targeted young college students, social classes, and neighborhoods that would be ready to the idea of buying a $6 coffee and spending time with friends at their stores. With rapid growth and expansion, Starbucks target market expanded rapidly to include every individual of every age. In the foreign countries, they began targeting small towns, rural communities, ethnic neighborhoods, highway rest stops, etc. In Singapore, Starbucks started their target from the office workers who would need a good coffee while in a rushing to work. Following that, practically every individual of every age became their target. However, in Singapore, we still can see that only those very sociable, well-aware of good coffee and young tend to hang-out at Starbucks. We rarely see the elderly or a family sitting in Starbucks for coffee. Starbucks marketing strategy involved positioning its outlets as a place where consumers can spend time other than their home or work. Each of its stores was made as comfortable and relaxing as possible. Not only that, they tried to make it accessible and readily available where most people go to relax. For example, shopping malls, where most friends choose to hang-out especially the ladies. And, ladies as we all know, are very sophisticated people who would like everything good and of top-class qualityThe coffee giant achieved the comforts through comfortable furniture and relaxing music. Over the past several years, Starbucks also included offerings such as wireless internet, handicapped access, complimentary books, and common areas for collaboration. While Starbucks stores are positioned as locations where customers can spend time in a comfortable setting, their product lines are positioned at the higher end in regards to prices and quality. PRICING STRATEGIES Starbucks products are priced higher than most other brand coffees due to the image its brand carries. However, they knew just how to put a higher price and yet get their targeted market to buy their coffees without thinking twice. Starbucks began to offer $1 bottomless 8 oz. cup of coffee, with unlimited refills that cost approximately 50 cents less than any other Starbucks products. They also implemented value strategies that emphasized more on inexpensive products rather than being perceived as unaffordable to price-skittish consumers. For example, the introduction of the $3.95 breakfast pairings, including popular breakfast items paired with a coffee, and highlights $2 brewed coffees instead of the more expensive specialty drinks. When quality becomes the desire of the target market, then pricing is no longer much of an issue. That is somewhat the case for Starbucks. They have created such an experience the Starbucks experience that most of their customers go back to them for their coffees because of the ambience, comfort and their great coffee, even if they could get an almost similar coffee for half the price at some other coffee outlet. PROMOTIONAL STRATEGIES Starbucks has implemented numerous promotions to reach its targeted market. One of the promotions that Starbucks has used is the Starbucks Card. Starbucks Card is a technique that gives customers the opportunity to promote Starbuckss products through a referral system. When a customer purchases a gift card, it not only shows brand loyalty, but it also provides the company with free advertising, and brings in new customers. Starbucks also provides a card for corporate sales, which are used for extrinsic rewards to show employee appreciation for a job well done, or a gift to a client. Another promotional implementation is that they deliver coffees to offices or work places without any coffee size restrictions. There are very few or rare coffee outlets that are willing to deliver without placing any conditions or restrictions. Thirdly, they appeal to a diverse customer base by offering international teas and coffees to accommodate those customers that want a taste from home or for locals that enjoy tea. Lastly, using the aid of performing a good deed as a means for promotion Starbucks contributes to several non-profit organizations as a way to improve brand image and awareness in local communities. DISTRIBUTIONAL CHANNELS Starbucks formed some business alliances with certain organizations to further promote its brand. One of these alliances formed was Barnes Noble Bookstores in the year 1993. Both companies were able to promote their brand and at the same time improve their image. Starbucks also formed alliances with United Airlines in 1996 and now, their coffees are served on the United Airlines. Not only that, Starbucks has made alliances with many other organizations through which, it has improved its branding, sales and image. RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS Starbucks should continue to carry their rare and unique variety of food and drink products. New and different combinations should be introduced frequently and the products that deliver the best results should be retained and added to the permanent menu. The line of personal equipment products by Starbucks can be extended and offered at the retail level or on the companys web site. Starbucks could introduce a line of premium fruit drinks. Starbucks could re-design its outlets at the more popular places to be larger and cozy at the same time. They could change the size of the outlet thats most popular to hold at least double the number of customers their normal outlets do. These new designs should incorporate a comfortable feel for the customer and encourage large gatherings. In the targeted areas, the new store should be able to accommodate a small conference of up to 15 people. Ultimately, what they should achieve is the ability to host business meetings, book signings and much more. Thirdly, customers can be rewarded with free cups of coffee for accumulating a certain amount of points on their Starbucks card and coupons could be issued. Another recommendation is that television commercials be shown creating a distinct difference between Starbucks and their closest competitors. The point must be driven that premium coffee shipped from around the world cannot be substituted by others. Starbucks could also sponsor events that are in line with the interests of customers who purchase premium products. This would include sponsoring professional golfing events, college games, the arts and business conventions. College students, young professional adults and those with more disposable income should be targeted. CONCLUSION In conclusion, Starbucks has made quite a benchmark in its coffee business through thoughtful marketing strategies. Despite not being very upfront in terms of its service, they still are a brand that is not comparable with any other coffee brand. This is because, the ambience and atmosphere that one finds in a Starbucks outlet is rarely found in any other coffee outlet. Not only that, their extensive and unique coffee is another very attractive marketing strategy.

Concepts of Business Communication

Concepts of Business Communication RITU MUDLIAR Active listening skills are ways to become a good listener. It basically means that listeners are hearing various messages, understands its meaning and verifies the feedback. Characteristics of active listeners are that more time is spent listening than talking. Five active listening skills in making your communication with your trainees are attending, encouraging, reflecting, interpreting or questioning. Attending- this makes the speaker aware whether the staffs are active listeners or not. This also implements that staffs will be taking precautions measures to resolve anything discussed in the meeting. Encouraging- shows what the speaker is saying and discussing. Reflecting- it shows that you are listening and understanding whatever the speaker is saying. Interpreting- analyzing whatever the speaker has said and summarizing it to be put into practice into their own words Questioning- shows that the staff were attentive and by asking questions they are really attentive and aware of all the happenings. Interpersonal skills are the skills we are using every day for communication and mixing around with other people. This is done either individually or in groups. Many people have worked really hard in their professional and personal lives. Four interpersonal communication skills are: Being optimistic- where people make opinions about the work done or to be done so that when launching a new product everyone’s opinion is taken into account. Patient- patience is very important in any organization as with this person can be in total control of the work pressure and staffs pressure. Confidence- doing anything or any project in any organization is very important and with total confidence anyone can do anything impossible into possibility. With that belief staffs and employers tend to move forward their business. Charming- this is very interesting character as whoever is charming can work their ways into anything. This interesting character has the charms to work things out. Assertiveness means where one person stands ground for another and standing up for that person. This normally is called bullies. Many people seek to be assertive through using methods and techniques that can be achieved. Those whom seek can dramatically can increase their effective influence and strength by using these methods. Some methods and techniques used in this process are: Have faith as this normally can lead to progressive reports. Prepare questions and ask to whom it is suitable to and this will in return than will prove worthy or not. Read inspirational things that reinforce your faith in proper values-this will always give good examples and ideas towards business minded people and strategy. Negotiation is where two parties come to a mutual agreement to any issue. This however will than become the mutual agreement between them. This resolution always tends to work in any organizations to resolve company issues related to workers or management. Feedback is very important in any organization as this is the only way any company can get feedbacks about their products being sold out in the market. This way the company can always have a fair idea as to where they stand and can than intent to launch other products. This is important as constructive measures can be taken in accordance to improve anything. Clarification is what we don’t understand and ask questions to clarify the doubts anyone has in their minds. This is helpful to managers as this gives both the interviewee and the manager a fair idea as to whether that particular person has understood or not. Question and discussion makes it easier as this way all clarifications are out from both parties and whatever questions are there are cleared before proceeding to another process. Feedback is a very important factor in any organization. This gives the whole progress report as to where the company stands and if it’s safe to launch new products into the market or to grow the existing one. Customer’s point of view gives the result of the market value and this decides the company’s outcomes towards the profit. Follow up gives proper record of the sales market and makes you keep product market value at high level. For example since Alliance Leicester is dealing with banking, insurance and this all are rel ated to money. If the company decides to launch more investments, it will apply all the theory of feedback, follow up, clarification, question and answers as this will give the correct figure as to where the company’s status stands and whether the company is liable to precede this product in the market. Also using rapport can be a solution too. Finding common grounds of communication to support your theory also portrays a huge role n the stock market. Displaying respect and empathy is also another one of the methods. Chairperson Build a team of your committee by bringing people along with you, working with them Interpret the purpose and programs of the organization to the committee Understand and interpret the community to the organization an committee members Be knowledgeable about services of other organizations Use skills in human relations and knowledge of your committee members to help each attain the peak of performance Accept and understand your committees goals and objectives as they come to you from the planning process Guide your committee in long and short range planning In the budget process, have your committee estimate costs of objectives and identify any income Monitor implementation of committee objectives When appropriate, decide with committee to take part in implementing objectives Delegate responsibilities to committee members Recognize conflicts and disagreements and use problem-solving skills to deal with them. Participants Rights and Responsibilities Have certain responsibilities which include: Making every effort to gather sufficient information that will allow them to make an informed decision about their participation, in good faith .While participating, they should also make every reasonable effort to comply with protocol requirements and inform the investigators of unanticipated problems. Participants always have the right to withdraw from their participation in research at any time and for any reason without penalty or loss of benefits to which they would otherwise be entitled. Minute recorder A minute recorder or secretary is the person who takes notes of all the meetings and makes it into a proper report for both the parties to keep. Their duties include keeping all records of conversations done between the two parties and then conveying the message to a full report made into written or verbal communication. This way a record is made as to what has happened during the meetings and what the outcomes are. Traditional views of the communication process in school organizations have been dominated by downward communication flows. Such flows transmit information from higher to lower levels of the school organization. School leaders, from central office administrators to building-level administrators, communicate downward to group members through speeches, messages in school bulletins, school board policy manuals, and school procedure handbooks. Information passed from the top managers or executives to the middle and low managers are called downward communication. For example executive manager passes a message that a new product has to be launched in Alliance Leicester and this message has to be passed on from one stage to another. The downward flow of communication provides a channel for directives, instructions, and information to organizational members. However, much information gets lost as it is passed from one person to another. Moreover, the message can be distorted if it travels a great distance from its sender to the ultimate receiver down through the formal school organization hierarchy Implementation of goals, strategies, and objectives. Communicating new strategies and goals provides information about specific targets and expected behaviors. It gives direction for lower levels of the school/school district, community college, or university. For example: The new reform mandate is for real. We must improve the quality of products in order to succeed further in the market and increase our sales value:† Implementation of goals, strategies, and objectives. Communicating new strategies and goals provides information about specific targets and expected behaviors. It gives direction for lower levels of the school/school district, community college, or university. For example: The new reform mandate is for real. We must improve the quality of student learning if we are to succeed. Supervisors are invested with decision making powers or increasingly complex decision making powers they farther you to go up the hierarchy chain of command. People in a hierarchy know who is to make the decision on a particular issue or at the very least, which is ultimately responsible for the decision (the top person in the hierarchy). Advantage of this is often more efficient than other methods such as group decision making. At the same time preventing those on the bottom of the hierarchy from making or participating in a decision. Structures are always centralized and decentralized in hierarchy chains. It defines the nature of the relationship with other employees with narrow control which gets under them more. Two communication technologies used by Alliance Leicester are electronic and oral communication. Electronic communication is done by telephone for internal external communication, email, internet, fax and computers. This is required for making reports in the finance department where all records are kept. It keeps people connected regardless of their locations instantly. Some advantages are: Messages passed on are fast and efficient. It is delivered and reply comes back as soon as the receiver receives it. Disadvantages of electronic communication are: Everyone is relying on electronic devices rather than their own minds as it used to happen in the old days. It seems businesses are running and depending more on these than the book records. Oral communication is another source of technology of communication. Some advantages of oral communication are: It is time saving as action is required to be taken immediately into account. It is always best to transmit a message orally. If the executives workload is high than they stop writing and by oral instructions they complete their message transmission. Some disadvantages of oral communication are: There are no records of instructions passed on. Messages are difficult to record. Sorting out becomes impossible to preserve the message for future purpose. This creates issues amongst the management where all records are to be kept safe for future purpose use.

Humanitarian Intervention Essay -- International Relations, Ethics

The issue of humanitarian intervention has become increasingly prominent in worldwide debates regarding its role in ethics and legitimacy in international relations. Uncertainty arises as to whether there are any moral obligation for humanitarian intervention and the concerning justifications of the violation of state sovereignty. In viewing the matter ethically and applying Immanuel Kant’s principle of cosmopolitan law from his 1795 essay Perpetual Peace: A Philosophical Essay, humanitarian intervention can be established as a conflict between a cosmopolitan responsibility, which is to protect and promote human rights because of their universality, and an obligation to respect state sovereignty as a crucial basis for moral and political international order. Inevitably, fulfilling one set of responsibilities can involve the violation of the other in situations for example where governments are actively abusing the fundamental rights of their own citizens. Many Third World lead ers, consider the concept of humanitarian intervention to be potentially destabilising for the international system, and view it as an excuse for more powerful nations to undermine and threaten their state sovereignty (Ayoob, 2004; p.99). By using the United Nation’s Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948) as a reference point, this essay will investigate the relationships between states when dealing with human rights standards and cultural differences. In examining the doctrine of ‘the responsibility to protect’, this essay will justify humanitarian intervention as a moral requirement of international order by focusing on the idea that the broader community of states must assume the responsibility of intervention when individual sovereign states are unw... ...World suspicions as being the West’s manipulation for power, I have justified the need for intervention through the UN Declaration of Human Rights (1948). the need for an international ‘responsibility to protect’. Through a brief overview of standardised political theory, I justified humanitarian intervention as a moral requirement for humanity. However, although the interest for a state to intervene must be weighed up against the outcomes of the intervention and no personal agendas from outside states can influence such interactions. In concluding the responsibility to protect encompasses the idea that sovereign states have a responsibility to protect their own citizens from avoidable catastrophe, but that when they are unwilling or unable to do so, the broader community of states must assume that responsibility as fellow citizens of the international community. Humanitarian Intervention Essay -- International Relations, Ethics The issue of humanitarian intervention has become increasingly prominent in worldwide debates regarding its role in ethics and legitimacy in international relations. Uncertainty arises as to whether there are any moral obligation for humanitarian intervention and the concerning justifications of the violation of state sovereignty. In viewing the matter ethically and applying Immanuel Kant’s principle of cosmopolitan law from his 1795 essay Perpetual Peace: A Philosophical Essay, humanitarian intervention can be established as a conflict between a cosmopolitan responsibility, which is to protect and promote human rights because of their universality, and an obligation to respect state sovereignty as a crucial basis for moral and political international order. Inevitably, fulfilling one set of responsibilities can involve the violation of the other in situations for example where governments are actively abusing the fundamental rights of their own citizens. Many Third World lead ers, consider the concept of humanitarian intervention to be potentially destabilising for the international system, and view it as an excuse for more powerful nations to undermine and threaten their state sovereignty (Ayoob, 2004; p.99). By using the United Nation’s Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948) as a reference point, this essay will investigate the relationships between states when dealing with human rights standards and cultural differences. In examining the doctrine of ‘the responsibility to protect’, this essay will justify humanitarian intervention as a moral requirement of international order by focusing on the idea that the broader community of states must assume the responsibility of intervention when individual sovereign states are unw... ...World suspicions as being the West’s manipulation for power, I have justified the need for intervention through the UN Declaration of Human Rights (1948). the need for an international ‘responsibility to protect’. Through a brief overview of standardised political theory, I justified humanitarian intervention as a moral requirement for humanity. However, although the interest for a state to intervene must be weighed up against the outcomes of the intervention and no personal agendas from outside states can influence such interactions. In concluding the responsibility to protect encompasses the idea that sovereign states have a responsibility to protect their own citizens from avoidable catastrophe, but that when they are unwilling or unable to do so, the broader community of states must assume that responsibility as fellow citizens of the international community.

The Advantage of School Uniforms Essay -- Arguement Argumentative Pers

Did you know that as many as twenty-five percent of the nation?s pubic elementary, middle, and junior high schools have successfully implemented a school uniform policy? (Isaacson, 1998) School uniforms greatly benefit both the students and faculty by creating an atmosphere in which the students are able to get the most out of their education. I believe that all students should wear school uniforms regardless of whether or not the school is public. Below are clear-cut arguments in favor of school uniforms. First, one of the chief benefits of school uniforms is their ability to make schools safer. Studies have shown that they help to reduce gang influences. (Isaacson, 1998) Many gang members wear particular types of colors and clothes to signify their membership to a certain gang. With every student wearing the same articles of clothing, gang members will not be able to establish a rivalry within the school. Uniforms also minimize violence by reducing some sources of conflict. A Long Beach Superintendent stated the first year that the uniforms had been implemented into his school, crimes decreased by thirty-six percent, school violence by fifty-one percent, and vandalism to the school dropped eighteen percent. (US Dept. of Ed., 1996) Uniforms will also make it easier for trespassers to be identified. (Ryan & Cooper, 2000) These trespassers will stick out like a soar thumb because they will not have on a uniform like everyone else. Identifying and properly escorting the...

Chinese Eating Manner vs. Korean Eating Manner

Compare and contrast essay: Chinese eating manner vs. Korean eating manner Different places and countries have different cultures and manners. China and Korea both are historical and traditional Asian countries, which have many traditional cultures and manners, including the eating manners. Even though their geographical position is close, there are similarities and differences between Chinese and Korean eating manner. There are some distinct similarities between Chinese and Korean eating manner.The first similarity is that they both use bowl and chopstick to eat, and no sounds are allowed when chopstick touches the bowl, for example like scratching rice from the bowl with chopstick. Different from western countries, most Asian countries use bowls instead of plates to carry food. It is impolite to make noise by tableware when eating. Another similarity is that, when eating with seniors, juniors only can start eating after seniors start.There is a traditional saying in Chinese called â€Å" respect for seniority†, let seniors to start eating first is a kind of showing respect to them. Similarly, in traditional Korean culture there are plenteous manners on respecting seniors, and start eating after they eat is one of the manners. Although there are a number of similarities, there are several differences between Chinese and Korean eating manner. The first difference is that Chinese prefer to hold the bowl when eating, and use chopstick so often.It is impolite to put down the bowl on table and just use one hand to eat. In contrast, it is not allow to hold the bowl when eating in Korea, also, spoon is much more important than chopstick in its manner. For example, though it is difficult to spoon up a bean sprout from a bowl, it is not allow to use chopstick for it. Another important difference is, in China both hands should be upon the table when eating. When holding a bowl to drink soup without using a spoon, the idle hand still needs to be upon the table.How ever, in Korea it is so impolite to show one`s left hand upon the table when eating, the left hand must be hidden under the table. Both the societies of China and Korea are changing and become much more open than they used to be. Many of their traditional cultures and manners have combined with other cultures or even disappeared, however, there are still differences. No matter which manners we prefer, they are all a kind of cultures, we should be respected to cultural differences.

Report on future trend of Japanese Yen over the next month

The aim of this report is to make a future trend prediction of Japanese Yen based on the economic data and experts' opinions from SYNC for the next month. Further Yen weaknesses is going to continue, and Japan is staying with the protection under the market, said by Mike, according to the Bank of Japan Meeting. The dollar and Euro made their largest percentage gains against the yen since BOX announced aggressive easing measures and they plan to double holding of bonds and stocks in two years.From the previous statistics and graphs, we can see that, the dollar rose as high as 96. 41 yen on Router's data, near a three and a half year peak of 96. 71 set on March 12. The Euro traded at 124. 51, up 4. 2 percent, higher than Yen for two or three months. And also, the yen weakened against other currencies, with the Australian dollar rising above 100 yen for the first time since 2008.Kyle Bass, the Founder of Hyman Capital said that what Japan Is trying to do Is to devalue the currency in or der to become slightly more trade from competitors, like South Korea, and make the economy better. Jon added that, short (ME) emerging market or go long puts to play Yen weakness. The Bank of Japan Is embarking on a monetary easing campaign more aggressive than anything it has attempted In years. This means that there Is still a further weaknesses of Japanese Yen In the future months.