I am officially an empty nester. I didn't know if I wanted to publicly admit that on this blog, but I decided that it's one of the biggest things to hit my life in some time. Plus, there is a tie to Kelley. On Aug. 27 we took my daughter to IU-Bloomington, where she officially became a college freshman. It's definitely different being on a college campus as a parent rather than student. However, I still remember the excitement and anticipation of going off to college. I've encouraged her to make the most of this experience... find new extra-curricular activities, meet people from all over the world, take advantage of the world-class education available, and have fun (of course, we've never been concerned about her ability to have fun!). She wants to be in the Kelley School, and so she's got her work cut out for her. The program has become more highly regarded in the last few years, and the competition to get in is crazy. It's a new begining for all of us. I trust your semester is off to an awesome start too!

Hi and happy summer!

I’ve had the opportunity to do some training and explore my career and my personal strengths recently. I’ve learned a lot and wanted to share some great insights into how to take charge of your career -- and life -- from panelists at the IU Kelley CareerMoves conference held recently.

• Make yourself indispensable
• If it feels uncomfortable, do it. Don’t shy away from the unknown, the “never done it before” or the chance that you might not do something perfectly the first time
• It’s all about attitude – yours. In good and not-so-good times, how you choose to respond and be every day is sometimes all that matters
• Look in the mirror. It might be you!
• Get a mentor – you’re never too old or young. Ask someone you admire and respect. A mentor can be from your employer, your profession, even volunteer work
• Ask people “what do you think?” “how do you feel?”
• Own your own career and life. No one else is going to do it for you

Would love to hear other thoughts! Have a great day.

Jargon… acronyms… lingo.
 
I had to share this with you. Who hasn’t found her/himself sitting in a meeting and wondering just what people were saying? Jim Ylisela, president of Ragan Consulting, recently found himself pondering the prevalence of “consultant speak.” Of course, consultants aren’t the only ones who spin a phrase to dazzle (or baffle) the others in the room. Below are a few of Jim’s favorites. Check out his entire column at Ragan.com. It’s absolutely hilarious! By the way... do they teach this stuff in Business school??
 
1. Sandbox. You think this is a noun, but if you’re really good at consulting, you should always use it as a verb, as in: “Once we sandbox that theory, then we can roll it out for full implementation.” Does anyone else get the image of a kitty litter box with this one?
 
2. Iterations. Not stages, or phases or steps, but iterations, as in, “We’ll work through at least six iterations before this implementation reaches its full functionality.” If you are asked about schedules or progress, simply respond: “Don’t worry. This is an iterative process.”
 
3. Socialize. Yes, as in “have you socialized that idea?” No, it’s not about going out to dinner… it means have you discussed the idea with the client or others.
 
4. Bus theory. This one’s been around for a while, but it’s a good example of the kind of language consultants use to set themselves apart from mere mortals. I used to think it was just shorthand for “Business Theory.” Wrong. Bus theory suggests that you should plan ahead, and make sure you have back-up knowledge and resources, just in case. You know… in case someone important gets hit by a bus. Seriously…
 
5. Standpoint/perspective. Everyone knows these words, and if you’re a good writer and editor, you realize that in most cases you don’t need them. They’re add- on words that make sentences long and complicated. That makes them perfect for consultant-speak or corporate insiders. Newbies would say this: “Let’s base our training plan on the skills our people need the most.” Crusty veterans will ramp up that simple sentence and make it their own: “From a training perspective, it’s imperative that we facilitate a strategy from a user standpoint.”

I've been wondering whether or not to post something with students and faculty now focused on finals. But something keeps coming up, so I decided to put it out here. That something is “connections.” More specifically, the importance of connections. So, here’s my Top 5 Tips for Creating Connections.

1. Networking is everything. It takes much more than a polished resume and cover letter (even with work experience) to get an internship, job, or to get ahead.
2. Because… many times, it’s not what you know, but whom you know.
3. Be open to feedback and what you can gain from others. No one expects you to know it all!
4. Seek out creative connections. Kelley alumni are available to be mentors, speak to classes, provide internships, even job opportunities.
5. The Kelley Alumni Association provides a big family – 86,000 strong worldwide – that’s ready to support you. There are career resources, opportunities to network and learn; voices of experience ready to share with you. The Central Indiana chapter will hold a special event to welcome and celebrate the newest Kelley Graduates on June 12 at Easley Winery in Indianapolis. All new graduates and alumni are invited. More information and online registration is at http://kelley.iu.edu/alumni/Calendar/event.cfm?key=IN080612

Good luck with finals! If you have other suggestions on creating connections, let me know!

"Hoosiers are nice, but this (business) isn't a tea party; it's a rugby match." We heard a lot of great insights and advice from a panel of CEOs at the Annual IU Kelley Business Conference this week. But this quote -- advice received by IU alumnus and successful entrepreneur Cathy Langham -- keeps playing in my head. Sure, it's descriptive. And, in my experience, it's also true.

Some days it definitely feels rough out here. But after what I lovingly call my "Kelley kind of week," I'm really inspired by what an amazing resource the Kelley School can be whether you're a student, a prospective student, alum or member of the business community. So, ask questions. Seek advice from faculty and alumni. Take advantage of all the programs available to you through the Kelley School. I think you'll find yourself in better shape to play this rugby game known as the business world. What do you think?

By the way, in case you're wondering what a "Kelley kind of week" is for someone who isn't a student... it's representing Central Indiana at the alumni association's national board meeting; a dinner honoring the newest Kelley Distinguished Entrepreneur Award winner and inductees into the Kelley Academy of Fellows, a breakfast with Dean Cochran and Dean Smith hosted by the Central Indiana alumni assn. chapter, the Business Conference, and a reception and meeting with the Kelley Indianapolis Women's MBA Alumni Advisory and women MBA students. It was a blast!

Hi and greetings from the ranks of Kelley alumni. I’m Deb New and this is my first posting for the Kelley BizBlog. I thought I’d tell you a little bit about myself and invite you to check back for reports from the New Side of the real world!

I’m a 1996 MBA graduate from the Kelley Indianapolis program. I completed my MBA in 3 years while working fulltime and with a toddler. Talk about running on the proverbial gerbil wheel. I have my undergrad from that other large state university 1 hour north of Indianapolis, however, don’t hold that against me! I’m president of the Central Indiana chapter of the Kelley alumni association – a really cool organization that you'll want to join. In my spare time I run my own consulting firm, New Enterprises. We help organizations create new possibilities with marketing, PR, strategic planning, advocacy and program management. I've spent most of my professional life in the corporate world and have a ton of non-profit board leadership experience too.

I’m relatively new to blogging and the invitation to contribute to the Kelley BizBlog came at a great time… I was looking for opportunities to learn more about the blog world. It also got me wondering what in the world Kelley BizBlog readers would want to hear from me. So, I’m open to suggestions; please let me know if you have questions or topics I might be able to address, and I’ll do my best. In the meantime, I’ll periodically share my experiences, observations and views with you. See you soon.

Cheers!
Deb