marketing simulation

I just spent the last two days and the previous weekend doing a marketing simulation class. Translation for those of you not familiar with Wharton lingo: a class that is completely based on running a mock company through an online simulation program. Since this was a marketing class we had to make decisions on which customers to target, how much to spend on advertising and r&d, how much to spend on different marketing channels and so forth. Despite the fact that we were given few resources - every team had a different budget and different information on competitors, we did alright. I worked with a new team of people - we were randomly assigned and overall a success. In my opinion, I'd rather try and learn through doing rather than sit through a semester of marketing lectures and write a twenty page paper. One class finished!

battle of the bands

last night was battle if the bands at Wharton. Several student band performed and were truly remarkable. I am constantly amazed at the talents of my classmates. After fall of the student bands performed, a band made up of professors performed and wow they were excellent. The professors included my marketing professors - post to follow regarding the class. In one of the performances they handed out light up rings - very fun. It was a great night rocking out to these great bands at a really cool Philly venue.

finally spring

ok maybe we skipped spring and went to summer directly.  the weather finally got warm and it is SO nice out.  makes me so happy!

old friends

tonight i caught up with two friends over dinner that i met during welcome weekend one year ago.  i barely see them, but they were awesome people i met when wharton was still very new to me.  it was great catching up, but also insane that it had been a year since we had found out we got into business school and the craziness began.

things i love

today i love catching up with business school friends, spring like weather, my new polka dot shoes, flywheel and freedom to do what i love.

give and take

tonight i attended a seminar by adam grant (youngest tenured prof at wharton) on his upcoming book/general philosophy of give and take.  adam's whole theory is that people are either givers, takers or matchers.  in a nut shell, the more you give (within reason and depending on circumstances), the more it accelerates your life/career.  adam is one of the ultimate givers.

we did multiple interactive exercises; however, one that really stood out was when we broke up in small groups and everyone had to come up with an "ask." then we had to solve that "ask" within our network.  the "asks" ranged from contacts in the handbag industry to apartment leads for the summer to inport/export experts for a guy that wanted to start a business helping afghanistan locals to advice for how to contact the lakers on behalf of a fallen military hero.

if you have not read the NYT article, i highly recommend it (link below).  alternatively, you can buy his book, give and take. the book comes out on tuesday.

Adam Grant - NYT Article

added bonus: willie geist was there as they were filming the session for the today show.  i clearly watch the today show every morning since i am awake and not at work!

dom!

the annual and most anticipated wine club event - the dom night, happened last night.  translation: open bar dom perignon and then bottle of dom (vintage 2003) to go!

so much fun and so delicious.  plus added bonus: i am in charge of the event next year! one of the current co-presidents told me she wants me to be the one to own the relationship and event. wahoo!