DECA Dimensions | November-December 2011

DIMENSIONS NOVEMBER–DECEMBER 2011

Unleash New Ideas

DIMENSIONS NOVEMBER–DECEMBER 2011

EDITORIAL Publisher Edward Davis Editor Christopher Young

CONTENTS D EPARTMENTS 2 4 4 5 26 28

Let’s Talk My Turn DECA Events 8 DECA Things to Do Chapter Clips Quick Response

Editorial Committee Barbara Henn, Shirlee Kyle Advertising Cindy Allen Art Direction and Design Chuck Beatty

NATIONAL OFFICERS President Claire Coker North Atlantic Region VP Jennifer Harrington Central Region VP Micah Melling Southern Region VP Kendra Wrightson

BOARD OF DIRECTORS President: Roger Cartee President-elect: Jacklyn Schiller Secretary: Lynore Levenhagen Treasurer: Brycen Woodley Members: Marsha Bock, Jim Brock, Oleg Shvets, Dave Wait NAB Chair: Roger Glenn Ex-Officio Members: Edward Davis, Wayne Kutzer

EDITORIAL CORRESPONDENCE DECA Dimensions Attn: Editor 1908 Association Drive Reston, Virginia 20191-1594 deca_dimensions@deca.org

SUBSCRIPTIONS & CHANGE OF ADDRESS Dimensions Circulation 1908 Association Drive Reston, Virginia 20191-1594 (ISSN 1080-0476 is published four times each year—September/October, November/ December, January/February and March/April.

Copyright ©2011 by the Distributive Education Clubs of America, Inc., 1908 Association Drive, Reston, Virginia 20191-1594. All rights reserved. Annual non-member subscription rate is $5.00. Periodicals postage paid at Herndon, Virginia and additional mailing offices. $1.00 of membership fee goes toward subscription to DIMENSIONS, a publication of DECA, (USPS 566-200), Volume 31, Number 2.

Postmaster—Send form 3579 for change of address to: DIMENSIONS, 1908 Association Drive, Reston, Virginia 20191-1594.

A CADEMICALLY

PREPARED

6 A Global Movement Unleashing New Ideas This fall, Global Entrepreneurship Week aims to touch more current and aspiring entrepreneurs around the globe than any event ever.

8 Entrepreneurs Do Three Things They birth the new, they create jobs and they create new net wealth. Check out this awesome sketchbook.

9 Man’s Best Friend Helps DECA Entrepreneur Clean Up When people hear the name of his business, they chuckle and ask what he does. Learn how this DECA entrepreneur took a unique approach to creating a business.

10 Is This for Me? Ask yourself the 3 Ms to see if entrepreneurship is for you.

12 Recognizing Opportunity One person’s discarded items can be another person’s treasure—and an opportunity for a budding entrepreneur.

COMMUNITY ORIENTED 15 Find Your Inner Entrepreneur Learn how one DECA member took his passion for entrepreneurship and shared it with his community.

16 Promote the Entrepreneurial Spirit Your efforts to promote entrepreneurship can earn you recognition.

17 Education Nation: From the Students’ Perspective Your national presidents share their views on education after participating in NBC News’ Education Nation summit.

PROFESSIONALLY RESPONSIBLE 19 The Seven Habits of Highly Successful Networkers All business people are networkers whether they realize it or not. Anyone can master the art of networking with a bit of effort and a little magic.

E XPERIENCED

LEADERS

22 The Six Cs of Leadership There’s a thing called little “L” leadership. It’s simple, genuine leadership.

Learn how you can be an exceptional leader.

DECA DIMENSIONS | November–December 2011

1

LET’S TA L K

Wearing

CONFIDENCE T

here is something that all DECA members should carry with them at all times. It is intangible and sometimes hard to obtain, but it is invaluable to anyone’s success. It is more important that the clothes you wear or the money that you make.

It is the key attribute to standing out in a crowd and taking control of a situation. It’s confidence. It is the fashion statement that everyone should make.

Take on the storm Louisa May Alcott once said, “I am not afraid of storms for I am learning how to sail my ship.” The most confident people do not fear making mistakes. Mistakes are what make us all human and contribute to our wisdom. If you never learn to ride out the storm, then you will not be able to sail with confidence. Approach the hurdles in your life with full force, knowing that you can overtake them. Do not be afraid of the judge in your role-play or making a fool of yourself at a dance.

Fear nothing.

Learn from the best Throughout my life, I have admired the countless entertainers and entrepreneurs who can command an audience.

I’m not drawn to them necessarily because of what they say or what they wear, but their confidence is what makes them so attractive. The certainty in their words and actions convinces me to see them as worth listening to and important. They portray themselves in a manner that is not arrogant but poised. When I see models walking down the catwalk, I always wonder, “How on earth do they make walking in seveninch heels look easy?!” The truth is that it is all about how they show themselves to the audience. We all know that what they are doing takes practice and talent, but their confidence convinces you that they were walking in heels at birth. When looking to gain self-confidence, look towards the great public speakers of our time and the models on the runway. Watch and observe and then mimic their actions (but not in seven-

inch heels). If you can adopt this self-assured quality into your daily life, then success will be more attainable.

Believe in your actions The key to confidence is being convinced that what you are wearing, saying or doing is important and a reflection of yourself. Henry Ford once said, “Whether you think you can or think you can’t—you are right.” If you don’t think what you are saying is significant, then you will not come across as someone that demands attention. If you are not comfortable in what you are wearing, then you will be looking for a dimly lit corner and unconsciously distancing yourself from the spotlight. Be confident in what you do, and people will be automatically drawn to you.

Own it Confidence comes in all shapes and sizes. It is not about being the loudest, most ridiculous person in a room. Some of the most confident people I have ever met are the ones who wait for the right time to speak their minds and then do so with grace and articulation. They own their ideas and actions; even if they make mistakes, they don’t let other people see uncertainty reflected in their demeanor. Sometimes, the only way people know you made a mistake is when you make a big deal about it. When speaking in front of a crowd or walking a catwalk, make your trips and slips seem like they were meant to happen. Own it. Make confidence your own personal fashion statement.

Go to www.facebook.com/decainc to join the conversation.

2

DECA DIMENSIONS | November–December 2011

Claire Coker National DECA President decaclaire@gmail.com

MY TU R N

Make it make

MILLIONS “T

he goal: to become a millionaire” is a phrase I had etched into my ceiling since my early teens.

Every morning I would wake up with one reminder, one goal: to become a millionaire. And every morning, I would remind myself such words are simple to say, yet almost impossible to accomplish.

As I sat in my room planning my future and waiting for that perfect lottery ticket to make me millions, I came to a realization, a sort of epiphany: lottery tickets should not determine the fate of my future. I should not be relying on one piece of paper, out of millions of pieces of paper, to change my life forever. I needed to take charge of my life and become a millionaire without a flimsy piece of chance. But how could I do that? Making millions is certainly not easy and I definitely do not have the talent to be a rock star or an actress. What else could help me support my future?

All I needed was an idea.

A simple idea could make my career one of luxury and fortune. A simple idea could make anyone’s career one of luxury and fortune. That is the true definition of entrepreneurship: to take an idea and transform it into an economic good.

Thankfully, ideas are formed regularly.

From washing your hair differently to wrapping your sandwich uniquely, ideas form within everyone’s mind. So why not take your idea and expand upon it? Make it something worth selling, something worth buying and something worth using. Make it make millions.

Imagine Bill Gates’ life before Microsoft. Can you visualize him sitting 4

on his couch hoping for that winning lottery ticket? I can’t. Bill Gates had one idea plus the determination and drive to create a program which took the present generation to the next level. He became a billionaire not by sitting on his couch and hoping for some luck. He became a billionaire because he put his plan into action.

As a DECA member, you have the drive and knowledge to turn your ideas into the next billion-dollar company.

DECA provides you with the building blocks of success. By specializing in entrepreneurship through classroom learning or building your skills by competing in DECA’s entrepreneurship competitive events, you will acquire more entrepreneurship knowledge than Bill Gates had before Microsoft. You have an advantage

over thousands of other high school students. You have the knowledge and the skills to become an entrepreneur because of DECA. So I challenge you to do something amazing with that knowledge. Take your ideas, no matter how little, and develop them. Get your idea out there, make it the newest thing to hit the market, and become an entrepreneur. Make DECA proud while making a bright future for yourself.

Yours Truly,

Kendra Wrightson Southern Region Vice President decavpkendra@gmail.com

DECA EVENTS November 2011 3–5 Innovations and Entrepreneurship Conference, Chicago, IL

30–Dec. 4 New York Experience I, New York City, NY

December 2011

10–12 Western Region Leadership Conference, San Diego, CA

11–13 Southern Region Leadership Conference, Little Rock, AR

2–4 Central Region Leadership Conference, Omaha, NE

1 4–20 Global Entrepreneurship Week

7–11 New York Experience II, New York City, NY

1 Membership Campaign due

15 Online membership dues deadline

15 DECA Week Promotional Campaign submission due

15 DECA/Global Entrepreneurship Week Campaign submission due

18 Virtual Business Challenge I ends

16 Stock Market Game ends

19 Finish Line Challenge submissions due

18–20 North Atlantic Region Leadership Conference, Philadelphia, PA

DECA DIMENSIONS | November–December 2011

8

DECA THINGS TO DO in November and December

1

Test your financial fitness Pay rent, find a job, go to school—all virtually—in the first round of the H&R Block Dollars and Sense Challenge (Oct. 24–Nov. 18).

You could qualify for a chance to win a $10,000 scholarship.

For more info, visit www.deca.org/events/66

2 Manage a retail store or

6 Practice like

sports franchise—from your computer

Take a few moments every week to go above and beyond and practice for your DECA competitive event. There are tons of resources— videos, publications and sample materials—available on the DECA website to help you be the best and earn an opportunity to compete in Salt Lake City in April.

Learn what it’s like to make tough decisions by managing a retail store or sports franchise in DECA’s first round of the Virtual Business Challenge (Oct. 24–Nov. 18).

For more info, visit www.deca.org/events/20

For more info, visit www.deca.org/competitions/highschool

3 Calling all students,

DECA is your sport

7 Put yourself in an

alumni and partners

Share the benefits of membership in DECA by recruiting fellow students, alumni and partners to join your chapter. There are some pretty cool rewards for chapters that aspire to meet some lofty goals. The deadline to earn recognition in DECA’s Membership Campaign is Dec. 1.

For more info, visit www.deca.org/events/membershipcampaign

4 Go global

Inspire others to think globally, innovatively, creatively and imaginatively by unleashing your ideas during Global Entrepreneurship Week (Nov. 14–20). Participate in DECA’s Global Entrepreneurship Week Campaign and earn recognition for your chapter!

For more info, visit www.deca.org/events/gew

5 Earn money for college It’s not too early to start your online application for one of DECA’s many scholarships provided by our corporate partners.

executive’s shoes

Visit a Finish Line store, take notes and then give them your feedback through a YouTube video. Three finalists in the DECA/Finish Line Challenge will be flown to the Finish Line corporate office in Indianapolis, Ind., to present their ideas to top executives. The deadline to enter is Dec. 19.

For more info, visit www.deca.org/events/finishlinechallenge

8 Make a fashion statement Further the awareness and understanding of sustainability in textile related products by creating a runway worthy garment using previously used fabrics or garments in the DECA/FIDM Challenge. The deadline to enter is Feb. 10, 2012.

For more info, visit www.deca.org/events/fidmchallenge

For more info, visit www.deca.org/scholarships DECA DIMENSIONS | November–December 2011

5

ACADEMICALLY PREPARED

A Global Movement Unleashing New Ideas

November 14–20 1,300 partners in the U.S. join 35,000 organizations in more than 100 countries to create transformative experiences for the next generation of innovators

T

his fall, Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) aims to touch more current and aspiring entrepreneurs around the globe than any event ever. Thousands of activities in more than 100 countries will teach the power of entrepreneurship by showcasing creativity and innovative thinking. GEW 2011 will be held November 14–20, spurring new ideas, ingenuity and firm creation through local, national and global activities. DECA is an official partner of GEW. An initiative of the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, GEW will connect people through activities designed to help them explore their potential as self-starters. Students, educators, entrepreneurs, business leaders, employees, non-profit leaders, government officials and others will participate in wide-ranging activities that include virtual and face-to-face events, large-scale competitions and intimate networking gatherings.

“Global Entrepreneurship Week has grown into a worldwide movement that educates millions about entrepreneurship and 6

the personal and professional fulfillment of starting your own enterprise,” said Carl Schramm, president and CEO of the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation. “We encourage everyone to take part in a Global Entrepreneurship Week activity to promote innovation, creativity, job creation and economic growth.”

DECA chapters across the globe are invited to latch on to this worldwide movement and host an official activity—no matter how big or small. It’s simple. Think of an idea – hosting a local entrepreneur for a class discussion, holding a lemonade stand competition or teaching entrepreneurship to younger students. Need more ideas? Visit http://gewusa.org/ideas-bank.

Then register the event at www.gewusa.org and mark DECA as your affiliated organization. You can also participate in this year’s new DECA/Global Entrepreneurship Week Campaign and earn recognition for your chapter. More details are available at www. deca.org/events/gew/.

DECA DIMENSIONS | November–December 2011

Global Entrepreneurship Week 2011 in the U.S. In the U.S. last year, 1,313 partners hosted 3,286 activities with 445,896 participants. More than 200 DECA chapters became official partners with GEW. This November, all 50 states are expected to be represented again as plans for local activities continue to unfold in colleges, high schools, government agencies, entrepreneurial support organizations and communities everywhere. While each participating organization is encouraged to create its own unique event, GEW offers four featured activities that aspiring and existing entrepreneurs alike can participate in:

The Cleantech Open Global Ideas Competition seeks to find the best clean technology ideas from around the world— from revolutionary ways to generate clean energy, to better ways to filter water, to ideas about how governmental policies around climate change can foster new businesses, all new concepts are welcome. Finalists will deliver a five-minute pitch to an audience that includes 2,500 investors and entrepreneurs with a chance at winning $100,000 in support and services to help turn their idea into a business. For more information, visit www.unleashingideas.org/cleantech.

Startup Weekend brings developers, marketers, product managers and startup enthusiasts together for 54 hours to share ideas and launch new startups. Beginning with open pitches on Friday, attendees in dozens of cities will hone in on the most promising concepts with teams focusing on customer development, idea validation and creating a viable product. By Sunday evening, teams demo their prototypes and receive valuable feedback from a panel of experts—competing for prizes that help speed them to launch. For more information and a complete list of participating cities, please visit www.unleashingideas.org/weekend.

Startup Open recognizes promising new startups around the world in a global competition that is open to any entrepreneur who has just started, or is about to start, a new venture. The 50 most promising startups from around the world will be recognized as “The GEW 50,” based on a range of criteria including strength of concept, growth projections and knowledge of the market. Those 50 companies will compete for a handful of prizes, with the winners announced during GEW 2011. For more information, visit www.unleashingideas.org/open.

Your Big Year offers two winners a free, year-long trip around the world, giving them the opportunity to explore different countries while meeting leaders, innovators and entrepreneurs.

The competition is designed to encourage global citizenship while honing innovation and leadership skills—essential to entrepreneurial development.

In 2010, more than 44,000 contestants completed a series of online challenges before 24 finalists were flown to Liverpool, England to compete during Global Entrepreneurship Week.

All 2011 participants had to register before Sept. 1 and be over the age of 18. For more information, please visit www. unleashingideas.org/yourbigyear.

Global Entrepreneurship Week Supporters Global Entrepreneurship Week supporters include well-known entrepreneurs like Richard Branson, The Virgin Group; Michael Dell, Dell Computers; Russell Simmons, Def Jam Records; Blake Mycoskie, TOMS Shoes; and Steve Case, America Online (AOL). Dozens of influential political figures have also backed the initiative, including Barack Obama, President of the United States; Hillary Clinton, U.S. Secretary of State; David Cameron, UK Prime Minister; Prince Charles, Prince of Wales (UK); Anibal Cavaco Silva, President of Portugal; Nicolas Sarkozy, President of France; Benjamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister of Israel; John Atta Mills, President of Ghana and Mohammed VI, King of Morocco.

DECA DIMENSIONS | November–December 2011

7

Entrepreneurs Do Three Things The second thing they do is even much more important—when new firms are created, they create jobs. If you start a brand new company, then you’re going to make something and deliver a service or product. You’ve got to have people.

They birth the new. Every type of innovation we have has largely come from people thinking innovatively and most of them come from firms that were created to bring forth this new technology that the inventor entrepreneur thought up.

New firms hire. In fact, the statistics from the Kauffman Foundation tell us that new firms are the place where all new hiring takes place—the net job creation. It’s not a small number. On average, new firms in the United States create about three million jobs a year.

The third thing that entrepreneurs do with their new companies is create all the new net wealth in society.

Watch the animated

KAUFFMAN sketchbook

at www.kauffman.org/threethings.

8

DECA DIMENSIONS | November–December 2011

Entrepreneurs keep pushing the innovative, they push the new, they make jobs for people and they make wealth for the society.

Man’s Best Friend Helps DECA Entrepreneur Clean Up “W

hen people hear the name of my business, they chuckle and ask what we do,” said Clayton Bradshaw, owner of Doggy-Do Waste Removal and Collegiate DECA Vice President.

“When I tell them a little bit about my company and they hear my slogan, they find it absolutely hilarious and ask if it really is a legitimate business.” It’s not until they hear just how successful the business is that they start to take Bradshaw seriously. At age 16, he founded Doggy-Do Waste Removal, a company that cleans up and hauls away mounds from dogs on a one-time, weekly or bi-weekly basis.

“From a very young age, instead of seeing problems as a roadblock, I saw them as an opportunity to develop a solution,” said Bradshaw. “I began to research people across the globe who had also seen these ‘problems’ as opportunities and developed creative solutions.” Entrepreneurship as a whole was extremely fascinating to Bradshaw, but it took him until the age of 16 to get his first taste of entrepreneurship.

One day, while working out in the yard, Bradshaw stepped in a pile of dog poop that his beloved dog had left behind. Frustrated at first, he went to clean it off, but then pausing for a moment, he realized that there were many other people who shared his same frustrations with the same exact issue. “I then asked, ‘Could I create a business out of this?’” said Bradshaw. “This is where my company, Doggy-Do Waste Removal, was born.”

Fast-forward about two years to the present. Doggy-Do Waste Removal exists as a successful and thriving business. Currently, Bradshaw runs the business by himself, but he hires employees as needed. Seeking to expand his business, he has run Groupon deals in his local area and has formed several partnerships with area adoption agencies and rescue organizations.

“While the idea itself was something I came up with, I could not have created Doggy-Do without the experience DECA provided me,” said Bradshaw, who was a member of Tulsa Technology Center-Lemley DECA in Tulsa, Okla. “When I developed the concept, I was unsure of how to go about actually getting on

the right track and proceeding to make this a legitimate business.

My knowledge at the time was simply not enough to make this company a reality. That is right about the point that I got involved with my local DECA chapter at the technology center I was attending.”

Without DECA, Doggy-Do would to this day still be simply an idea or concept. Bradshaw attributes making his concept a reality to the various personal and professional skills he acquired in DECA using tools such as the Entrepreneurship Written Event as well as his advisor and other experiences provided

by DECA. “I truly believe that DECA provides a unique experience for each and every member,” said Bradshaw. “It provides you with the skills you need to succeed in any profession you choose to go into, especially entrepreneurship. I encourage you to use what you learn in DECA to help you in future endeavors.”

As a finalist in the Entrepreneurship Written Event at the International Career Development Conference, Bradshaw offers some advice for aspiring DECA entrepreneurs.

• If you have an interest in entrepreneurship and starting your own business, try competing in something related to the business or organization you would like to start either now or in the future.

• Look for business leaders within the community that will help provide you with even more tools and resources to pursue your own dream.

• Don’t be afraid to chase your dreams and never give up.

Bradshaw also shares the words of Tom Bradley, “The only thing that will stop you from fulfilling your dreams is you.”

DECA DIMENSIONS | November–December 2011

9

ACADEMICALLY PREPARED

IS THIS FOR

by Jeff Cornwall

ME?

I

f I had to pick one skill that I would want high school students to develop before they enter a collegiate entrepreneurship program, it would not be how to write a formal business plan. Instead, I recommend practicing the art of opportunity recognition. This is what experienced entrepreneurs do to assess ideas for businesses before they make an extensive commitment of time and money to develop a business plan and eventually launch their venture. Opportunity recognition helps entrepreneurs weed out ideas that are doomed to fail from those that have the potential for success.

There are three basic questions used to assess opportunities, which I call the “3 Ms:�

1. Is there a market?

Make sure that potential customers really want or need your product or service. The best way to do this is to think about who your target customers are (how old are they, where do they live, what do they enjoy, etc.), and then talk to people who fit your customer profile.

Also, examine the size of the market to make certain that only a portion of the market is needed to make your business work. For example, if you would have to sell your service to every family in your neighborhood to make the business work, it is probably not a good idea to pursue.

2. Is there a margin?

Learn the basic economics of the business. How much will the product or service sell for and how much will it cost to produce the product or offer the service? To do this, you will need to determine what costs go into your business and what people will be willing to pay.

You want to make sure that the business offers enough profit margin to make it worth your time. Your goal should not just be to cover your costs but to make a profit. Profit is the salary of an entrepreneur.

3. Is this for me?

You need to have a passion for your business, and it should build off of your own life experiences. The best business opportunities come from your work experiences, your hobbies, or other things you experience in your everyday life. Meeting a need that you understand is the best path for your first business venture.

If your evaluation of an idea for a business looks favorable after this assessment, then the next step is to get out and test it with real customers. By selling to real customers and listening to what they have to say about your business, you have a much better chance of success. In almost every start-up, the business model you develop will need to be adjusted based on feedback you get from your early customers, so be flexible to make changes as needed.

The best way to acquire the skills necessary to be a successful entrepreneur is through real-life experience. Rather than writing business plans for fictional business ideas, practice the skill of recognizing opportunities, and then get out and test them in the market. Finding a collegiate program that integrates hands-on learning will be helpful in applying these principles to gain experience.

Dr. Jeff Cornwall is the director of the Center for Entrepreneurship and the Jack C. Massey Chair of Entrepreneurship at Belmont University.

10

DECA DIMENSIONS | November–December 2011

beBELMONT.com Fashion with a Passion...

THIS IS HOW I’M BELMONT Michelle Keil, Entrepreneurship major and co-manager of Feedback Clothing Co., a campus-based business at Belmont, donates a portion of the profits received from her designer aprons and accessories to support orphans in Africa.

!"#$%"&'%!"##$%$&'$%('")''*% ($%$%+*,%)&*+($%$ Ranked among the Best Undergraduate Business Schools in the nation by Bloomberg BusinessWeek, Belmont University in Nashville, TN is a fast-growing Christian community of more than 6,300 students who come from every state and over 20 countries.

Belmont’s Undergraduate School of Business Administration offers a Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A.) degree with concentrations in Accounting, Economics, Entrepreneurship, Finance, General Business, Information Systems Management, International Business, Management and Marketing. We also offer Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degrees in Economics and International Economics.

Recognized for excellence, our undergraduate and graduate business programs have earned accreditation by AACSB International for business and accounting. In addition, our entrepreneurship program has been named a national Top 25 program by the Princeton Review and featured as one of five schools for entrepreneurs by Fortune magazine (2010).

Belmont University also has one of the top Collegiate DECA chapters in the country.

Experienced faculty, innovative resources, small class sizes and dynamic internship and study abroad opportunities combine for a rewarding learning experience that prepares our students to go from here to anywhere.

BELMONT.EDU

Learn more at WWW.

ACADEMICALLY PREPARED

Plan ahead.

Whether you are starting a small business or aspire to one day run a corporation, the process all starts with a succinct and well-researched business plan. Use your interpersonal skills to interview leaders in the industry you are interested in and find out from them what it takes to make it in their field.

RECOGNIZING

Be moneywise.

The reality is you won’t know how much you need to break even or make a profit if you don’t know where you are spending. Sadly, the majority of small businesses fail in the first few years because of poor financial planning and management. Prevent that from happening by learning basic accounting and financial planning.

Opportunity

Focus.

Don’t try to be everything for everyone. Find a niche that you can service and expand the depth of your service instead of the breadth. Some of today’s best businesses are successful because they are the experts in one particular field. Find your focus by thinking about products you love and what they don’t do that you wish they did.

I

t all started with a lemonade stand and a dream for Ben Weissenstein, founder and CEO of Grand Slam Garage Sales. At the age of four, he was featured on the cover of the Houston Chronicle manning a lemonade stand on a hot summer’s day. At 14, a cluttered home and impending move led to Weissenstein’s first garage sale. He was perfectly suited for the job; he liked talking to people, he liked making money, he could carry heavy stuff and he had a lot of excess energy. Having the entrepreneur spirit, Weissenstein saw the opportunity and seized it. That’s how Grand Slam Garage Sales (GSGS) was created.

The idea was simple. Everyone wants to make money, everyone has extra stuff they want to get rid of and nobody wants to do the work of running their own garage sale. GSGS parlayed that simple concept into a user-friendly garage sale business kit that can be used by anyone, anywhere to generate funds through a garage sale.

“We didn’t really know much at the beginning,” admits Weissenstein. “There was a whole lot of on-the-job training!” However, the hard work and dedication paid off. After a few years, Weissenstein was a regular face in local news outlets in print, television and radio. The summer after his senior year in high school, Weissenstein was featured in an article in Entrepreneur magazine and not long after on Dr. Phil. GSGS has successfully implemented hundreds of profitable garage sales and is constantly building the brand through major press, including a forthcoming reality TV show currently in creative production.

So what sets successful entrepreneurs, like Weissentein, apart from the crowd? Here are a few things to consider: 12

Be visible.

As a new company, you have to be prepared to get out and meet your customers. Talk to them and find out what they want so you can service them better. Use your research skills to find out exactly what’s missing, what’s working and what you can take to the next level.

Get it in writing.

Be sure that all your transactions have a healthy paper trail that anyone can follow if worse comes to worse. Wellwritten contracts can be the difference between a profitable year and a deficit. Making sure all transactions and agreements are in writing will save you headaches and maybe even your business.

“In short, turning a passion into a profession won’t be easy,” said Weissenstein. “There will be many bumps in the road and setbacks that will also be met with success and celebrations. Being an entrepreneur means being ready for the risks and rewards that come with owning a business. In the end, preparation is the key that will take you and your business to new heights.”

Learn more about Ben Weissenstein and Grand Slam Garage Sales at www.grandslamgaragesales.com/deca/.

DECA DIMENSIONS | November–December 2011

Their stuff.

Your team.

Your profits.

Est. in 2004

As seen on Dr. Phil, Entrepreneur Magazine, PBS, About.com and many more!

Start Your Garage Sale Business Today!

Grand Slam Garage Sales (GSGS) created the Garage Sale Business Kit to help entrepreneurs of all ages learn how to start and run a successful garage sale business and begin making money.

Message from Ben Weissenstein, the Founder/CEO: I started my garage sale business when I was 14 years old. Now at 21, I have figured out all the ins and outs of starting a successful garage sale business. It’s the perfect business for our age range (high school and college age). It’s a business where you will be able to have fun and make money. Not to mention, you will be learning about business as you go, and it’s a business that you can run even if you’re in high school or college!

• Earn money for your DECA chapter or go into business for yourself.

• Learn the techniques and strategies you need to be successful.

• Set up your business in a way that works for you.

• Work your business to fit your Go to www.grandslamgaragesales.com schedule. /DECA Enter Promo Code GSGSDECA to • Have unlimited access to resources, receive a special discount. tools and customer support.

Offer expires December 31, 2011.

• Be up and running in less than 2 weeks.

• Go to www.grandslamgaragesales.com/DECA to get started today!

DECA Introductory Of fer!

www.grandslamgaragesales.com/DECA

COMPETITION LEADERSHIP

NETWORKING

ELI YOUNG BAND DECA-CLUSIVE CONCERT

INTERNATIONAL CAREER DEVELOPMENT CONFERENCE SALT LAKE CITY | APRIL 28-MAY 1, 2012

SALT LAKE CITY BEES

BASEBALL GAME

WWW.DECA.ORG/EVENTS/ICDC

DASH WITH THE DIAMONDS

5K WALK/RUN Sponsored by

COMMUNITY ORIENTED

Find Your Inner

ENTREPRENEUR business plan and available resources. He used Global Entrepreneurship Week as a springboard for his promotional activities.

Busko hosted a series of workshops, each with a different target audience. The first workshop, “Find Your Inner Entrepreneur,” was targeted to Kimberly DECA members and shared characteristics of entrepreneurs.

“I believe students need to know that entrepreneurship is an option during high school and throughout college,” Busko said. “I

I have become a better presenter and found my career calling.

DECA has inspired me to become an entrepreneur and go for my dreams in life.

As a DECA member and aspiring entrepreneur of a teen health supplement, Marc Busko of Kimberly (Wisc.) High School endeavored to promote the entrepreneurial spirit to his community last school year through DECA’s Entrepreneurship Promotion Project. He won first place at the 2011 International Career Development Conference for his community-wide efforts.

“As a senior and a leader throughout my high school and community, I felt it was my duty to educate a collection of individuals on entrepreneurship and allow them to discover this career path,” said Busko, who also realized that entrepreneurs play a vital role in economic development and advancement.

The overall objective of his campaign was to produce activities and workshops that educated students, faculty, small business owners and community members about the benefits and thrills of cultivating their own businesses, how to write a professional

want students to find a passion in life and pursue that passion with relentless drive and determination.”

He then targeted small business owners in his area with the workshop, “Grow Your Business In More Ways Than One,” which discussed social media, the promotional mix and current trends.

“My job was to help advance their companies through areas that they were not already taking advantage of like social media, current popular trends and guerilla marketing techniques,” he said.

Finally, he conducted “Rediscover Entrepreneurship” for anyone with an interest in entrepreneurship.

In addition to conducting activities and workshops, Busko also garnered quite a buzz in the press about entrepreneurship. He sent two press releases to local newspapers that ran articles and was a guest host on BIZ Talk, a business talk show broadcast to 3,000 listeners on WHBY 1150AM. “It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” Busko said. “We had listeners call in and congratulate me on my initiative and drive to promote a career choice that isn’t easy to pursue.”

In evaluating his project and experiences, Busko reflected on his experience in DECA. “Through DECA, I have learned about the importance of goal setting and time management,” Busko said. “I have become a better presenter and found my career calling. DECA has inspired me to become an entrepreneur and go for my dreams in life.”

DECA DIMENSIONS | November–December 2011

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Promote the Entrepreneurial Spirit DECA’s GLOBAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP WEEK Campaign

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any DECA members might only associate entrepreneurship with developing a business plan or owning their own business. However, promoting the entrepreneurial spirit is just as important as creating a business plan or actually owning a business. According to the Kauffman Foundation, entrepreneurs do three things: they create new ideas, they create new jobs and they create new net wealth. Entrepreneurship can be the answer to a struggling economy.

Did you know that your efforts to promote entrepreneurship can earn you recognition?

DECA is pleased to announce its first-ever Global Entrepreneurship Week Campaign during Nov. 14–20, 2011. Your chapter can earn recognition simply by reporting to DECA your chapter’s entrepreneurship promotion activities during Global Entrepreneurship Week. The deadline to submit your entry is December 15, 2011.

HERE ARE SOME IDEAS FOR ACTIVITIES: School Outreach Activity Ideas • Ask DECA members to select underclassmen and invite them to donuts or pizza and show a slideshow of entrepreneurship related activities.

• Create a scavenger hunt throughout the school where students search for the Global Entrepreneurship Week logo and DECA diamond.

• Put the Global Entrepreneurship Week logo and DECA diamonds on members’ lockers.

• Highlight DECA members who own their own businesses.

• Create an entrepreneurship internet scavenger hunt.

• Read facts about entrepreneurship or describe a trait of an entrepreneur each day on the announcements.

• Host a “Speednetwork the Globe” signature event.

• Research colleges and universities that have entrepreneurship degree programs.

• Host an “Apprentice” type event at the school.

• Host a lemonade stand competition where students from across the school participate.

• Provide coupons with the Global Entrepreneurship Week logo to the school-based enterprise, which is a great example of entrepreneurship in action.

Your chapter can also enter DECA’s Entrepreneurship Promotion Project, which challenges DECA members to promote entrepreneurship to a variety of audiences within your communities. Learn more at www.deca.org/competitions/highschool.

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DECA DIMENSIONS | November–December 2011

Success Stories of Alumni Entrepreneurs • Find successful DECA alumni who embody the entrepreneurial spirit in your community or from your chapter and write up a success story. Submit the success story and photo to DECA.

Community Outreach Activity Ideas • Host an entrepreneurship workshop for elementary or middle school students.

• Invite a local entrepreneur to speak at a chapter meeting or during class.

• Organize a luncheon with entrepreneurial leaders in the community to visit with DECA members.

• Host a breakfast lecture series on entrepreneurship in which members and entrepreneurs interact.

• Invite local businesspeople to mentor members on their entrepreneurship competitive events during a working session.

• Highlight DECA members’ families who own their own businesses.

• Present an entrepreneurship presentation to the local chamber of commerce.

• Partner with a local organization, college or business to host an entrepreneurship-related activity.

For more information about DECA’s Global Entrepreneurship Week Campaign, visit www.deca.org/events/gew. For more activity ideas, visit www.gewusa.org/ideas-bank.

COMMUNITY ORIENTED

from the students’ perspective

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laire Coker, DECA national president and Paige Eldridge, Collegiate DECA national president, were invited to be part of a select group of students to attend the 2011 “Education Nation” summit hosted

by NBC News in New York City.

“Education Nation” aimed to create a thoughtful, well-informed dialogue with policy makers, thought-leaders, educators, students, parents and the public in pursuit of the shared goal of providing every American with an opportunity to achieve the best education in the world.

Discussions included the challenges, potential solutions and innovations spanning the education landscape for both the near and long terms.

The three-day event featured a variety of panelists and speakers including former President Bill Clinton; Arne Duncan, U.S. Secretary of Education; Laura Bush, former First Lady; Melinda Gates, co-chair of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation; Michelle Shearer, national teacher of the year; and many educators, policy makers, elected officials and business community members.

Claire and Paige shared their perspective on education after attending the event.

What surprised you from your experience at “Education Nation?”

Claire: I was surprised to see so many teachers speaking up about how they feel there is a lack of respect for teaching as a profession. I think this lack of respect is a leading challenge facing our education system. If the nation as a whole saw teaching as the backbone of our nation’s success, then more actions might be taken towards bettering our educational system. I also believe that another challenge facing education in America is that we only look at problems.

There are also things that work such as career and technical education (CTE).

What was one of your favorite highlights from the experience at “Education Nation?”

Paige: One of my favorite highlights was getting to hear such important people talk about such an important issue. From Warren and Susie Buffet to Jennifer Garner to LeBron James to Laura Bush and Jeb Bush, they all spoke so passionately about the education system in America. Another highlight was getting to see ten of America’s state governors gather onto one panel to speak candidly about education. Brian Williams of NBC asked each of them straightforward questions about how they handle education in each of their respective states.

at home before children are enrolled in school, poverty levels, lack of funding, not enough technology in schools and more.

There are many problem areas that need to be addressed, and the summit really opened my eyes to that.

What is the most important take-away from your experience at “Education Nation?”

Claire: The most important thing I took away from the summit is to never stop talking. Never stop communicating with others on how to improve education in America, because while good ideas may start with one individual, they cannot be put into action without the support of others.

Paige: My most important take-away from “Education Nation” is that recognizing a problem isn’t enough. You have to be committed and willing to address the problem

What role do you think career and technical education plays in today’s educational system and the future of our nation?

Claire: CTE has the ability to play a great role in our educa- Paige Eldridge (second from left) and Claire Coker (third from right) and officers from SkillsUSA and FBLA with former President Bill Clinton. Photo by Charles Sykes/NBC. tion system by giving students and use your given resources to help. building blocks to success. CTE instills a Teachers can address the growing educagood work ethic and motivates students tion problems in America by encouraging to achieve higher. It also prepares students and supporting students to join an organifor their futures inside and outside of the zation like DECA. Students can address the classroom by providing practical skills that problems by joining the organization and they can use the rest of their lives. spreading it to their peers. Parents, leaders Did your experience at “Education and other adults can address the problems Nation” change your views of by sharing what they know with the people education? around them and supporting local CTE Paige: My experience completely changed organizations. DECA plays a huge role in my views on education in America. I now the education of America, and more people understand that there are many factors need to know that. that affect education. I saw salary level for teachers as one of the greatest challenges, To engage in the discussion or learn more, but there are many more that I never visit www.educationnation.com. considered—early childhood development DECA DIMENSIONS | November–December 2011

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PROFESSIONALLY RESPONSIBLE

The Seven Habits of Highly Successful Networkers

by Lydia Ramsey

All business people are networkers whether they realize it or not. Some are more effective than others and enjoy it more than others. Anyone can master the art of networking with a bit of effort and a little magic.

Think about it. Every time you meet someone, you are networking. Every time you greet someone, you are networking. Every time you pick up the phone, you are networking. Every time you send an e-mail, you are networking. Every time you engage someone in conversation, you are networking. Every time you write a note (yes, some people still write notes), you are networking.

You don’t have to attend a community function, an after-hours reception, a fund-raising event or an educational conference to network. Unless you are like Robinson Crusoe or Tom Hanks stranded on a desert island, you are constantly networking.

Some people do it with deliberation and others wander aimlessly through the process. The most successful business people are the ones who do it with purpose. The result of intentional networking is greater profits and increased business.

If you want to become more effective at connecting with people, consider these seven habits of highly effective networkers: Habit #1: Knowing what networking is.

You can’t be successful at networking if you don’t understand what it is. Surprisingly, many people have the wrong idea about it. Before you can begin, you should have a clear idea of what networking is not.

Networking is not about being pushy or aggressive. It is not selfish and one-sided. It is not about who can collect the most

DECA DIMENSIONS | November–December 2011

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“Unless you are stranded on a desert island … you are constantly networking”

business cards or who can shake the most hands. It is not about job-hunting or attracting more people to become your customers.

It is not about how many “friends” you have on Facebook or how many connections you have on LinkedIn. Networking is about who you know. The more people you know and the greater the diversity there is in your contact base, the more successful you will be.

Networking is about who knows what you need to know. Effective networkers have relationships with people who have the expertise and experience to help them achieve their goals.

Networking is about what you know. What is your expertise and your unique skill? If you are not clear on what you have to offer or what it is you do, neither will anyone else.

Most importantly, networking is about making sure that others know that you know what you know. How visible are you and how many people know what your area of expertise is? When people know that you know what you know, you become the expert and the “to-go-to” person. It is a lot easier to have people come to you than having to chase them down.

As an effective networker, you should create a broad base of people with whom you are connected and your relationship with your network should benefit you and those whom you know.

Habit #2: Developing a networking strategy Savvy networkers have a strategy. Before they attend any event or engage in any opportunity, they consider the basics of why, 20

what, who and how. Why are they networking? What do they hope to accomplish? Who will they be exposed to? How can they help those whom they will meet and how will the relationships they develop be mutually beneficial?

Habit #3: Finding the right venue The sheer number of networking opportunities can be overwhelming so smart networkers choose their venues. They do so based on any number of factors. Date, time and place are just three to consider. If you are not a morning person, breakfast groups may not be your thing. If you don’t like mixing and mingling at parties, find another event. It is more productive to seek organizations with activities you enjoy at a time of day that works for you. Keep in mind that all networking does not have to be work-related. You can make valuable connections with like-minded people anywhere.

Habit #4: Preparing for and working events Once the decision has been made to attend an event or join an organization, the clever networkers do their homework. If there is an event to attend, why is it being held? Who will be there? What will people most likely want to talk about? What is the attire?

Showing up in inappropriate attire can make a person stand out from the crowd for all the wrong reasons.

Habit #5: Mastering the art of conversation Showing up at events is a waste of time if you can’t make small talk with people once you arrive. To avoid finding yourself at a loss for words, prepare at least three topics that you can talk

DECA DIMENSIONS | November–December 2011

about when no one knows what to say. Keep in mind that 80% of conversation is listening and 20% is talking. Have open-ended questions ready to get others to talk to you and pay attention to the answers so you can keep the conversation moving.

Habit #6: Following up and following through Follow up turns people you have met into people you know.

Think of ways to stay connected. Some of those ways are as simple as writing a note, sending people information that relates to their expertise or interests, inviting them to join you for a cup of coffee or possibly meet you for lunch. If your parting words were “Let’s get together sometime,” do it. The Golden Rule of networking is to do what you say you will. If you don’t, you have wasted an opportunity and will forever be remembered as insincere.

Habit #7: Practicing exceptional business etiquette skills from start to finish If nothing else, effective networkers practice good manners.

That’s the magic of networking. Successful networkers make others feel valued by focusing attention on them. They listen and respond to what is being said. They don’t look over the other person’s shoulder to see whom they can talk to next. They put people at ease with their etiquette skills by making introductions and including others in the conversation. When the time comes to move on, the polite networker has graceful exit lines already prepared. A good closure is, “I have enjoyed our conversation. I hate to end it

but I feel that I have monopolized your time. I know that there are other people here whom you’d like to talk to.”

By exhibiting the best in business etiquette skills, the effective networker is a person that others will seek out in the future whether it is for information, help with an issue or to offer an opportunity. There has never been any doubt that people want to be in the company of and to do business with people they like.

Everyone likes the person who puts them at ease and makes them feel comfortable.

Have you developed the seven habits of a highly effective networker in order to establish and maintain mutually beneficial relationships with a wide range of people? Have you polished your business etiquette skills so that you are the person whose company others seek? If you haven’t, start now. It’s never too late to hone your people skills, build your network and practice networking magic.

Lydia Ramsey is a business etiquette expert, professional speaker, corporate trainer and author of Manners That Sell—Adding The Polish That Builds Profits. She has been quoted or featured in The New York Times, Investors’ Business Daily, Entrepreneur, Inc., Real Simple and Woman’s Day. For more information about her featured presentations and products visit www.mannersthatsell.com/products/ networkingmagic.html and www.mannersthatsell.com/networkingmagic/index.html.

EXPERIENCED LEADERS

The

Six Cs LEADERSHIP of

by Ryan Dyck

As a DECA member, you’re striving to one day become a leader of some sort, whether that leadership position is within DECA, a leadership position in a business or even just personal performance. You’re always trying to improve yourself and reach that next goal.

Too many definitions of leadership are focused on the outer manifestation of leadership such as the title, the position on the organizational chart, the nice name badge or even that corner office space you might all be seeking when you’re older. These things of appointed leadership have little to do with the actual ability of the individual who empowers people.

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There is a thing called little “L” leadership. It’s simple, genuine leadership. It’s not conferred by title and what name badge you may wear. It is leadership demonstrated through your everyday actions and the way you influence the lives of those around you. A lot of leadership that happens around the world today actually happens by non-titled leaders. You can be given a title, but you’ve got to earn your followers.

That’s really the true test of leadership.

So, if you don’t need a title to be a good leader what do you need?

The six Cs of being a leader.

DECA DIMENSIONS | November–December 2011

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OMMUNICATION

1

… is the ability to share information in a clear and concise manner so that everyone understands. Effective leaders master the skill of communication by taking complicated information

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OMPASSION

2

… is a balance of kindness and empathy. Too many leaders feel that the only way to drive productivity is to manage with an iron fist, but really nothing could be farther from the truth.

You need to possess a combination of understanding and care for others. When you’re dealing with people, sometimes “tough love” really is the best policy, but it never hurts to be nice every now and then.

If you treat the people you work amongst with respect and kindness, you’ll have a better end result as a team. It’s good to maintain a professional relationship, but it’s also good to get to know your team and sometimes just listen.

and making it simple. Keep in mind that one-way communication is never as effective as two-way communication that allows for questioning and collaboration.

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OMPETENCE

3

… is more than knowing how to do something. It’s all about your confidence and the effectiveness you display in everything you’re doing. For some people, once they attain a certain level in their career, the eagerness to learn and grow starts to diminish and fade. They feel that they have arrived at the top, and they don’t have to do anything else. However, in order to be a highly competent leader, you must be committed to life-long learning and be effective at applying that to what you know. No matter what you’re doing, there is always room for growth and improvement. There is also always room to learn more about whatever you may be doing so you can improve in that area. Set goals on things you want to learn and become more knowledgeable. A good leader always wants to know more!

Empowering Students for Successful Careers Widely recognized among colleges and universities, Berkeley College offers a proven approach to career education that provides students with a competitive edge and the skills sought by employers. This innovative combination of benefits is known as The Berkeley Advantage®.

Some of these are: • A supportive faculty chosen for academic excellence and relevant professional experience • More than $37 million in Berkeley College grants and scholarships for qualified students provided in the past award year • Valuable, real-world experience through program-related, faculty-monitored internships or job-related assignments • Bachelor’s and Associate’s degree programs developed and updated to meet current business and professional demands With eight locations in the New York metro area, and Berkeley College OnlineTM – which brings the classroom to the student anywhere in the world – Berkeley can help build the necessary foundation for a rewarding and successful future.

To find out more, call: 800-446-5400 Ext. GDM Or text: “DECA” to 247365

BerkeleyCollege.edu • info@BerkeleyCollege.edu

Berkeley College reserves the right to add, discontinue, or modify its programs and policies at any time. Modifications subsequent to the original publication of this information may not be reflected here. For the most up-to-date information, please visit BerkeleyCollege.edu.

DECA DIMENSIONS | November–December 2011

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C

HARISMA

4

… is positive energy and an enthusiasm that inspires others to change. When leaders possess charisma, their warmth and joy is contagious. They don’t waste time focusing on what cannot be done and why, but instead they are excited, passionate and optimistic regardless of whatever challenges come their way. People eagerly follow charismatic leaders.

C

HANGE

C

OMMITMENT

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… happens whether you like it not, but sometimes leaders have to initiate change. Change is the key that unlocks the door to growth and excitement in any organization. The leader’s ability to inspire a culture of change can make or break his or her success. Tomorrow comes with lightning speed and your competitive advantage is a fleeting thing. Bill Gates puts it this way: “In three years, every product my company makes will be obsolete. The only question is whether we will make it obsolete or someone else will.”

If we’re so focused on today’s problems, we put off planning for tomorrow’s opportunities. Keeping change alive starts with rewarding innovation, risk-taking and creativity. In fact, you need to fail quickly and fail often to stay ahead of the competition. So whether it’s a change in your goals or a change in yourself, sometimes it’s good to take a risk. It just has to be calculated well. Success could come from it, and if it doesn’t, then you have a good building block to learn from.

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… is best demonstrated in the level of dedication and allegiance you have toward your team. The commitment level of great leaders extends far beyond the number of hours they spend at work, but in their steadfastness in working toward the long-term success of their team. Commitment ignites action. Many successful business leaders, some even without a title, are hailed as visionary leaders. On careful inspection they are found to be individuals who hold firmly to a simple set of commitments. It is the strength of these commitments that led them to success. So whether it’s your commitment to your DECA chapter as a member or as an officer, if you stay committed you will come out successful.

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Becoming a person of influence who others will want to follow begins with working on you. Exceptional leaders are competent, committed to the cause, willing to start change, great communicators, charismatic and possess a great deal of compassion for others. Ultimately, it’s not the title that makes you a leader, but it’s the traits you have and how well you display them.

DECA DIMENSIONS | November–December 2011

Creating Tomorrow’s Leaders

Featured Major: Pharmaceutical Business Concentrations available in economics, human resources management, management and marketing

Ethical. Entrepreneurial. Engaged.

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This program is unique in that it blends business with science and pharmacy, a combination that pharmaceutical manufacturers, health care employers and government employers value highly.

Prepare for a career in the growing pharmaceutical and health care sectors with a major that develops a strong business foundation complemented by the physical sciences (biology and chemistry) and industry fundamentals and practices.

Students gain: • Communication skills, values and aesthetic sensibilities expected of a graduate from a four-year program and essential for success in the dynamic pharmaceutical and health care sectors • Business expertise in the core business disciplines, delivered by faculty in the AACSB-accredited College of Business Administration • Understanding of the pharmaceutical and health care industries, with practice necessary to succeed • Understanding of biological and chemical principles and the development of quantitative analytical skills • An internship that provides real-world experience in your area of concentration Career opportunities for the pharmaceutical business major by concentration Management: • Corporate benefits management • Pharmaceutical-manufacturing management • Supply-chain and materials-control management • Management positions in managed care, health insurance and benefits-management companies

Marketing: • Pharmaceutical marketing and sales • Marketing and sales positions in managed care, health insurance and benefits-management companies • Government health insurance plans Economics: • Industry analysts or consultants serving the pharmaceutical industry, health care sectors, government or investment banking.

Human Resources Management: • Recruitment and selection • Compensation and benefits administration • Training and development • EEO compliance

For more information visit www.onu.edu/ba

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DECA DIMENSIONS | November–December 2011

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CHAP T E R C L I P S Across the globe, DECA chapters engage in activities that encourage our members to become academically prepared, community oriented, professionally responsible, experienced leaders.

Share your chapter’s activities by e-mailing deca_dimensions@deca.org.

Thousands of Pennies = Trillions of Debt To bring an incomprehensible national debt down to size, Snohomish (Wash.)

DECA created a display on the cafeteria floor using over 18,000 pennies. Each penny represented one billion dollars.

Three giant bar graphs were created on the cafeteria floor showing who is owed money, where money is spent and the world population. The pennies were donated to the Ronald McDonald House of Seattle.

Business Boot Camp Monta Vista (Cupertino, Calif.) DECA held an inaugural weeklong business boot camp that educated 73 incoming freshmen in topics such as public relations, networking, event planning, leadership strategies, professional dress and business role-playing.

The event, held weeks before school started, allowed the incoming freshmen to become acclimated to the school and to engage early in DECA. Participation in the camp included a one-year membership in DECA.

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DECA DIMENSIONS | November–December 2011

Making a muscle for 30 years National DECA President Claire Coker accompanied by RJ O’Brien and Mitchell Lapierre of Memorial (Manchester, N.H.) DECA presented a check for more than $425,000 to MDA’s National Youth Chairman Luke Christie on the Muscular Dystrophy Association’s Labor Day Telethon in Las Vegas, Nev. DECA and MDA celebrate a 30-year partnership. O’Brien and Lapierre were representing fellow chapter member Nicole Baron, who was the first place winner in DECA’s 2011 Community Service Project, sponsored by MDA and Safeway, Inc.

CHAPTER CLIPS

Proclaiming DECA Week Members of the Nebraska DECA State Officer Team received a DECA Week proclamation from Lt. Governor Rick Sheehy at the Nebraska state capitol.

Officer retreat at DECA Inc.

“DECA and a Date” Tailgate Cameron (Mo.) DECA members each invited a guest to attend the chapter’s “DECA and a Date” Tailgate membership recruitment event. The group grilled hot dogs before going to a football game and will plan for a similar event during basketball season.

George C. Marshall High School DECA (Falls Church, Va.) held its annual officer leadership training at DECA Inc. headquarters in August. The 18 officers were introduced to new chapter advisors, met DECA Inc. staff and viewed Virginia DECA’s program of work and promotional materials to develop a program of work for their chapter.

Members used brainstorming activities to develop the Marshall “Reach Your Peak” program of work that includes goals to increase professional members, create an alumni membership group, use social media, conduct two community service projects and provide competitive events support.

Marshall DECA also worked with DECA Images staff members to finalize their chapter t-shirt and incentives for various programs.

DECA DIMENSIONS | November–December 2011

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QUICK RESPONSE Learn more about the topics featured in this issue of Dimensions! Download an app at reader.kaywa.com and use your camera-enabled smartphone to reveal the contents of the QR codes below.

Global Entrepreneurship Week

Entrepreneurship Sketchbook

Competitive Edge

No matter how big or small, register your GEW event today and let them know your DECA chapter supports entrepreneurship.

View the animated version of “Entrepreneurs Do Three Things” sketchbook.

Learn how you can conquer the competition, present with pizzazz and evaluate your performance as you prepare to participate in DECA’s Competitive Events Program.

www.kauffman.org/threethings

www.gewusa.org/users/register

www.deca.org/issues/24/

Statement of Ownership, Management, and Circulation (1) Publication Title: Dimensions. (2) Publication Number: 0566-200. (3) Filing Date: 9/28/2011.

(4) Issue Frequency: 4 times/year: Sept./Oct., Nov./Dec., Jan./Feb., Mar./Apr. (5) Number of Issues Published Annually: 4. (6) Annual Subscription Price: $5.00. (7) Complete Mailing Address of Known Office of Publication (Not printer): DECA Inc., 1908 Association Dr., Reston, VA 20191-1594. Contact Person: Ed Davis. Telephone: 703-860-5000. (8) Complete Mailing Address of Headquarters or General Business Office of Publisher: DECA Inc., 1908 Association Dr., Reston, VA 20191-1594. (9) Full Names and Complete Mailing Addresses of Publisher, Editor, and Managing Editor: Publisher: Dr. Edward Davis, DECA Inc., 1908 Association Dr., Reston, VA 20191-1594. Editor: Christopher Young, DECA Inc., 1908 Association Dr., Reston, VA 20191-1594. Managing Editor: Christopher Young, DECA Inc., 1908 Association Dr., Reston, VA 20191-1594. (10) Owner: Full Name, Complete Mailing Address: DECA Inc., 1908 Association Dr., Reston, VA 20191-1594. (11) Known Bondholders, Mortgagees, and Other Security Holders Owning or Holding 1 Percent or More of Total Amount of Bonds, Mortgages, or Other Securities: None. (12) Tax Status (For completion by nonprofit organizations authorized to mail at nonprofit rates): The purpose, function, and nonprofit status of this organization and the exempt status for federal income tax purposes: Has Not Changed During Preceding 12 Months. (13) Publication Title: Dimensions. (14) Issue Date for Circulation Data Below: September 1, 2011. (15) Extent and

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DECA DIMENSIONS | November–December 2011

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