Kim Lin's Blog

“If the United Nations was fully funded, why would we need the Arc or social enterprise?”

The Arc initiative is not just your regular volunteer opportunity. The Arc provides programs that offer an experience in places such as South Africa, Ethiopia, Colombia and Rwanda where you can work closely with a community organization. The Arc initiative promotes the idea of building bridges with other organizations, and sharing knowledge and ideas. By doing this, Arc ensures a two-way flow of learning and sharing. If the United Nations were fully funded, the Arc Initiative would definitely be a necessity. The Arc and social entrepreneurs provide that assistance and knowledge the United Nations would need to maintain this funding in the long run.

In my opinion, the Arc Initiative and social enterprise is vital for guidance to the United Nations.  Their ability to see potential and a bright future through innovative opportunities is rare, and is crucial to the community.  By embracing the benefits that social entrepreneurs provide, this will allow them to “extend their reach, deepen their impact and fundamentally improve society” (Skoll World Forum).

By continuing socially beneficial programs such as the Arc Initiative and social enterprise, we are continuing to promote positive thinking and profitable knowledge throughout communities. This statement holds true whether the United Nations is funded or not.

Sources: http://skollworldforum.org/about/what-is-social-entrepreneurship/

http://www.sauder.ubc.ca/Global_Reach/ARC_Initiative/About_ARC

Picture taken from: http://www.sauder.ubc.ca/Global_Reach

Do what you love and love what you do. This phrase is constantly used, and definitely applied to Joseph Hartstine’s daily routine. While working the drive-thru at a McDonalds in Sulphur, Louisiana, Joseph always makes an effort to keep his customers happy. Not only does he perk up the situation with humorous voices, but he also brings a smile to their face through song. Joseph’s outlook on his job is definitely admirable. Instead of moaning the day away, wishing he could clock out as soon as possible, Joseph makes the best out of his situation. By a handful of comedic phrases, Joseph managed to brighten his day, along with everyone he encounters.

While we rapidly learn and enter the business world, we cannot forget how to be happy. We must remind ourselves to find the joy in every situation, and make the best out of what seems like the worst. As academic finals begin to roll around the corner, let us not moan in our struggle, but rejoice in our perseverance. Instead of moaning until this ‘school shift’ is over, we should take what we learned from Joseph, and instead make it an enjoyable time for everyone around us.

Original Article: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/11/07/happy-mcdonalds-worker-sings-voices_n_6116596.html?utm_hp_ref=canada-business&ir=Canada%20Business

Seeing Red Bull commercials on TV always stumped me. Is this company legally allowed to say this drink gives you wings? Has anyone tested this or complained to headquarters of their lack of wings?

I guess now, someone finally spoke up.

As stated in the article, Red Bull now faces a lawsuit of $13 million dollars, $6.5 million in which will be given back to an estimated 1.4 million consumers.

This entire scandal leads me to question Red Bull’s marketing team. When coming up with a slogan, were they not aware that it is not true? Did they not think it was possible for someone to sue them for such a deceptive phrase?

The catchy slogan does allow for a creative advertising strategy, both for commercials and picture advertisements. However, was this worth it?

I can only imagine how the company is reacting to this headline.  If I were to guess, I would not be surprised if the company fired the person who initially started the tagline.

If Red Bull were my company, I would try to create a new slogan. On the other hand, if Red Bull were my company, I would not let such a foolish marketing mistake happen in the first place.

Original Article: http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2014/10/12/red-bull-gives-you-wings-lawsuit_n_5972282.html

Picture taken from: http://www.thedrum.com/news/2014/10/09/redbull-doesnt-give-you-wings-or-promised-refund-following-claim-rush

Amy Du’s article exclaims how famous and popular the raging new Disney movie, Frozen, has become. No one can be oblivious enough to disagree with that statement.

However, I cannot help but think that Frozen was just lucky with the timing. Having seen Frozen multiple times, I can definitely see why the toddlers throw tantrums when the Anna dolls are sold out in stores. But is it the movie that is actually popular? Or is it just prime marketing?

Disney movies have been coming out since 1937, and each movie has been quite spectacular. From Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs to Lion King to Little Mermaid… everyone has their favourite. But what if the timeline was switched? What if it was, for example, Little Mermaid that was just released instead of Frozen. Would it be just as popular?

I would like to believe so. Yes, Frozen was an amazing movie, however I believe that if any of the other Disney movies had been released in this technology-crazed era, those movies would be just as popular. With the access of Youtube, Facebook videos, Internet access and the endless amounts of advertisements online, no wonder Frozen has become as popular as it did.

Picture taken from: http://www.disney.co.uk/movies/frozen

Amy’s article: https://blogs.ubc.ca/amydu/2014/11/01/130/

My unwillingness to read the Terms and Conditions list has always been a curiosity to me. Would I one day actually regret not reading that long list? Should I have saved the legal document to read extensively in the near future? For some reason, the answer is always to agree and forget.

I could not agree more with Shelby Raeburn’s article. Technology continues to advance and grow to adapt society’s need for convenience. When exactly did it become convenient for one not to read a legal document? When were we taught to say, “yes” before knowing what we were agreeing to? Who told us to go into a deal blind?

A recent experiment was conducted by F-Secure, a Helsinki-based company, who managed to squeeze in obscure terms into the Terms and Conditions agreement at various free WiFi locations in London. From this experiment, F-Secure discovered that out of convenience, ignorance and laziness, six locals unknowingly signed away their rights to their pets and their first-born child.

The results of this experiment are not surprising. I have yet to meet someone who reads through and understands all the Terms and Conditions agreements they have agreed to.

The question I am asking now is will this bad habit ever stop? What exactly would it have to take to make society read? At what point would we be cautious enough to read what we are agreeing to?

For some reason, I have a feeling that this bad habit will never stop. Unless an extreme case arises, convenience and ignorance will continue to dominate.

Shelby’s article: https://blogs.ubc.ca/sraeburn/2014/10/04/wifi-terms-and-conditions-is-our-society-really-that-ignorant/

In my opinion, Brandy Melville is not a cruel, excluding company by having a focus market on particular sizes – or in this case, one size. From my perspective, this is truly an amazing way to implement focus differentiation.
If one can judge Brandy Melville for catering to smaller sizes, one can also judge millions of other clothing companies who don’t carry larger plus sizes.

Having this specific market has various advantages for Brandy Melville. With no sizes on their clothing, production is reduced immensely. Factories only have to produce one size, and workers only have to deal with one size. There are also less returns or exchanges due to a confusion of size. From experience, I also know that Brandy Melville uses paper bags instead of plastic. Not only are these paper bags environmentally friendly, but they are also plain, black, and as simple as the bags one can purchase at the local dollar store. Brandy Meville simply takes the paper bag and staples their business card with each purchase.

 I do not think that Brandy Meville is exclusive nor does it have poor business ethics.
From my perspective, Brandy Melville is a smart business company who knows the true meaning of brand positioning and differentiation.

Pictures taken from: http://miniandmelifestyle.blogspot.ca/2014/03/brandy-melville.html
Original blog post: http://www.lauraneuzeth.com/2013/06/why-i-wont-support-businesses-like.html

Tsilhqot’in, a BC First Nations group, has begun to declare and set aside land as a Tribal Park. As the premier, Christy Clark, and John Rustad, Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation, seems to be on board with this topic. However, there arise a variety of pros and cons. On the bright side, this land will produce security to environmental issues in the area. This includes a protected area for soon-to-be endangered wildlife. Another benefit includes more employment opportunities for the First Nations. However, this attempt has already been tried, and has quickly failed. Minister Shirley Bond stated, “Almost 50 per cent of the (aboriginals) in British Columbia are under the age of 25, so (First Nations) are a significant component in terms of our workforce of the future” (B.C. Liberals). This was stated in 2011, and no action of such has succeeded. Although more jobs may be promised, the government does not ensure it. More jobs can be possible, however, if employment rate in B.C. continues to rank “the province with the second-worst job numbers in Canada,” there are no guarantees (B.C. Liberals). In my opinion, although this idea appears promising for the Aboriginals, this may not be the saving solution to the lack of working Aboriginals and improving their overall way of life. It is possible, but with the government, there are no guarantees.

Work Cited:

B.C. Liberals add First Nations to jobs plan. (n.d.). B.C. Liberals add First Nations to jobs plan. Retrieved October 7, 2014, from http://www.vancouversun.com/mobile/business/vs-business/Liberals+First+Nations+jobs+plan/10250214/story.html

Tsilhqot’in set to declare site of New Prosperity mine a tribal park. (n.d.). www.vancouversun.com. Retrieved October 6, 2014, from http://www.vancouversun.com/news/metro/Unilateral+park+declared+Tsilhqot+includes+Prosperity+mine/10192766/story.html

How far would Abercrombie & Fitch go to maintain their appearance? They would go far enough to turn away a viable candidate purely based on their religious appearance.

A hijab or a headscarf is not just a statement piece or a captivating accessory – it’s a religious custom. My first concern after this article and video regards whether Abercrombie has the right to base a potential employee off their appearance. Of course presentation and first impressions are vital to any interview, but for Abercrombie managers to rate each candidate on an appearance scale causes me to re-think the ethics of this company.
The case regarding Samantha Elauf would have a different light if the mention of her headscarf were mentioned during the interview – but it was not. In my opinion, Samantha has no fault in this case. There is no reason why Samantha’s “interview appearance score” should be lowered based on an item of clothing representing her religion. This is clearly a case of religious discrimination.

For the sake of argument, imagine a match making company, hiring for potential marketing directors and other employees. Would this company turn away a perfectly capable applicant solely based on the fact that they wear a wedding ring? Their target market is trying to appeal of those who are single and looking to meet new people, and this married applicant is not in that category. Is this a fair case? Neither is Samantha Elauf’s.

Abercrombie should not force their employees to let go of their “religious accommodations” because of the company’s appearance guidelines. No one should face punishment for his or her religious beliefs.

Original Article: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/10/02/abercrombie-supreme-court_n_5923698.html

Picture taken from: http://whatstrending.com/news/13664-abercrombie-and-fitch-gets-rid-of-their-logo-cha
http://www.inayahcollection.com/hijabs-bridal-couture-hijabs-c-114_117.html

Apple and Android new software updates have defaulted to a privacy setting restricting company or government access to personal information. On one hand, consumers may feel safe with this knowledge. Security, trust and privacy are qualities everyone wants in their phone. Despite this, FBI expresses major concerns in which I agree upon. With limited to no access of phone information, the FBI cannot gather needed data in a desperate time of need. For example, a tragic event such as a kidnapping would be untraceable and increasingly hard to solve.

Although Apple and Android were looking towards the benefits of the consumer, they did not think of the bigger picture or the heavy consequences. Essentially, neither Apple nor Android was trying to appeal to the market of criminals looking for the perfect phone to hide from the government. This article proves how businesses must choose their words carefully. With possibly a changed tone of voice and different wording, I believe the FBI would not have questioned Apple and Android. Giving an individual the power of with holding information from even the company itself is a risk.

However, at the end of the day, the number of people that will withhold from buying an apple or android cellular because of this new software update is miniscule. Such a privacy setting may not cause a huge riot, but it is definitely a new factor the consumers should know.

Picture taken from : http://digiwonk.wonderhowto.com/how-to/upload-your-photos-instagram-without-android-apple-device-0139986/

Original Article: http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2014/09/26/james-comey-apple-android-encryption_n_5887294.html?utm_hp_ref=canada-business

In certain aspects, Canada and America aren’t that different. Both countries drive on the same road, speak the same language, and has a Starbucks located every other block. Target naively thought their success in Canada would also be similar. To their surprise, the results were more than disappointing.

At first, even I was thrilled to hear about Target’s new stores. More variety, better prices and a trusted brand were thoughts that immediately popped into my head. Somehow, these thoughts did not drive me to purchase their products over my regular local stores. Shortly after their opening, everyone new Target was not as good as it is down south. Eventually, I did not think twice about Target, nor did I stop and question why the stores weren’t as successful.

Reading this article has me anxiously waiting for Target’s results in the next couple of years. Will they ever become as big as they are in America? Hopefully Target makes a Canadian comeback with their sales percentage. Appealing to mothers, as Hansen mentioned, is definitely the leading factor. Mothers buy the groceries, the toys, the school supplies and the presents. Once Target reals them in, their sales should sky rocket. Keep an eye out for Target as they have a new goal – or, dare I say, a new target in mind.

Original Article: http://www.canadianbusiness.com/companies-and-industries/how-to-fix-target-canada/