5. Respond to the following article: http://www.problogger.net/archives/2011/09/08/7-cs-of-business-communication-make-your-posts-shareworthy-every-time/

I agree with this article totally. Blogging certainly can make anyone a better writer. Blogging not only gives writers a place to share their work with other writers, but it also offers a place where others can come and read the writings of others and provide unbiased responses about the pieces.  All the tips provided in this article are great points to make sure your writing covers in order to make sure your reader understand fully what you are trying to convey. Technical writing in business affairs are critical to the success of any company, and the 7 C’s in this article are great ways to effectively make sure readers react in the manner you wish them to. 

4. Respond to the following article: http://interpersonalcommunicationblog.com/index.php/top-small-talk-topics-business/

This article shows how the subtle technique of small talk can help you land a job during the interview process. Many people don’t consider small talk vital to an interview but it actually gives your interviewer a good grasp on how well versed, traveled, and knowledgeable you are on topics not dealing with the employment you are seeking. It also shows them how well you will operate in a setting with other employees, where communication skills are essential to the job. I agree that small talk can either make or break you in a professional setting. 

3. Read the following article and watch the video. What do you think about what it has to say about social media and business? Is this something you see now as a consumer? How might you approach social media professionally. http://daretosayit.com/blog/2011/03/is-social-media-a-fad/

I believe that social media is something that is here to stay for years to come. Not only has it spread rapidly throughout the world, but we think about the internet, it is no longer limited to just our computers. We take it with us on our phones, ipads, mp3 players, and even in our cars. Let’s face it, in the next twenty years; social media will consume nearly all forms of technology, and I believe that all businesses should adapt to this shift in the consumer lifestyle. 4 out of every 5 teenagers now has a facebook page, so while planning for the future, businesses should recognize these are their future consumers and appeal to them through mean that relate to their lifestyle. Advertisements on social networks are becoming more and more prevalent, and are sometimes highly successful ways companies are learning to adapt to the social media phenomenon

2. Read the following article. Then visit LinkedIn and have a look around. What do you think of the tips provided and do you think you would use LinkedIn in the future? Why/why not? http://www.careerrocketeer.com/2011/10/harness-the-power-of-linkedin.html

I believe that all the tips included in this article are very helpful in terms of how to use and navigate the webpage. If you are going to be connected virtually with other professionals from across the country and the world, you must keep your page updated and make sure all information is current. I would definitely use likedin.com to connect with other professionals. With a world more geared towards technology in terms of job opportunities, why not better your chances of landing a big job by taking a few minutes to create a page that can do all the work for you. Often companies use websites such a facebook to judge potential employees, with a professional social network page such as this, companies will look at you in a more positive way. 

Read the following article and write a response: http://www.businessinsider.com/8-traits-that-trump-the-resume-infographic-2011-11

I utterly agree with this article. While a resume does provide employers with an accurate descriptions of an employee’s past work experience and job employers, it doesn’t always mean that an individual is better suited for a job simply because they’re resume is longer than the next guy’s. A face to face interview gives a clearer picture of who will potentially be working for you and running your company. Employers cannot judge a person’s charisma, diligence, and work ethic from a piece of paper. And although work experience is essential to some professions, a fresh face is sometimes just what a business needs. 

Discuss your experience with putting together a resume. What advice have you gotten? What do you think works best in general and for you specifically? How would you approach writing your resume today?

I don't have much experience in building a resume but I do know  you must include your contact information, your experience, and all the education you have. The advice I received from others was to make sure its longer than a page long. Never include material that is not needed. Because a resume is a reflection of a person, there is no one perfect way to approach writing a resume. However, there are some basic guidelines to follow, which apply to all resumes.

What's your reaction to the story that's described and how would you react if you were faced with a similar situation?

I believe that with today’s high amount of competitiveness in many industry markets lying to sell a product has really become necessary in order to make money. You never know what is and is not the truth these days. Lying has become so much of a norm that it has sparked mistrust in a great deal of consumers. Because of this being honest doesn’t get you far as a product pusher. The consumer has already predetermined mentally that everything you are saying is a lie, and you will say whatever is necessary to make a sale. With changing times, selling methods must also change. Lying may not be ethical, but it has proven to be very effective. If I was in his situation, I probably wouldn’t have spoken up in the way he did. I would have become the very type of salesman he was speaking against. Everyone needs to put bread on the table, and making money is a top priority.