Advice Wanted From IMers. What would you do?

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You all know that I'm "Still in High School"... And well, at my school we have a program called "Co-Op"... Co-Operative Education. Basically, it's where I would be at a local business etc as part of school, working, and then I would get a credit.. Unfortunately, I can't get ANY co-ops in Tech.

I love my marketing career and everything about it... So now; I seriously need a way out of this, and to find something local that will work for me, and actually help me later in life... There's no businesses par say in my town, there are shops, stores, restaurants etc.

So, does anyone have any idea about types of businesses I could, (Like Radio Stations, Cop Shops etc).

Caleb
#advice #imers #wanted
  • Profile picture of the author MilesT
    well, where there are businesses there are media / ad companies. Also, you may be able to find (via WF) a local company that does IM related work. I live in a small resort town and I'm surprised how many ad companies there are! Car dealerships may be a way to go as well, they are always looking for creative types to help move more cars, as well as real estate firms.
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    • Profile picture of the author Jill Carpenter
      There's no businesses par say in my town, there are shops, stores, restaurants etc.
      So a restaurant is not a business?

      I'm ready to slap you.

      Look - you are interested in marketing, right?

      Caleb, some of the best things I learned about marketing were from working in restaurants!

      Not just as a waitress or bartender - actually convincing someone to buy something - but more so from paying attention to small business owners - the owners of the restaurants.

      They face the same issues as owners of any business - and you need to be there on the job to see issues. You see what can be improved, what works well, etc.

      Yes, there is some grunt work while you are there - but there is a lot to learn if you really open your eyes to the process as it is happening.
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      • Profile picture of the author Gee S
        Jill,

        I had flashbacks of my mum saying the same thing. Bad times! lol

        Originally Posted by avenuegirl View Post


        I'm ready to slap you.
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        • Profile picture of the author Caleb Spilchen
          Gee;

          Originally Posted by Gee Sanghera View Post

          Jill,

          I had flashbacks of my mum saying the same thing. Bad times! lol
          I thank my life everyday that jill's not my mom

          Caleb
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          • Profile picture of the author Gee S
            Caleb,

            (sshhh, before Jill hears us!)


            Gee

            Originally Posted by Caleb Spilchen View Post

            Gee;



            I thank my life everyday that jill's not my mom

            Caleb
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            • Profile picture of the author Caleb Spilchen
              Gee,

              Originally Posted by Gee Sanghera View Post

              Caleb,

              (sshhh, before Jill hears us!)


              Gee
              Jill has already heard... I'm sure that Jills Ugly Clock has rang that it's time for posting on the Warrior Forum....

              Caleb...
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              • Profile picture of the author Tina Golden
                So, Caleb, how are you posting on the WF at 11:25 a.m. on a school day?

                Tina
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                • Profile picture of the author Caleb Spilchen
                  Tina,

                  Originally Posted by TMG Enterprises View Post

                  So, Caleb, how are you posting on the WF at 11:25 a.m. on a school day?

                  Tina
                  Lunch Break

                  Caleb
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                • Profile picture of the author hourox95
                  Originally Posted by TMG Enterprises View Post

                  So, Caleb, how are you posting on the WF at 11:25 a.m. on a school day?

                  Tina
                  Lol! I thought of the same thing as I was looking at the time he post on WF.
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                  • Profile picture of the author Caleb Spilchen
                    hourox95;

                    Originally Posted by hourox95 View Post

                    It would be really cool if your school system adapt "Internet Marketing" as your Co-Op program. You're gonna be spending half of your time at a coffee shop or a place where you teens hang out with Wifi include.
                    Originally Posted by hourox95 View Post

                    Lol! I thought of the same thing as I was looking at the time he post on WF.
                    And yes, I post on WF in my spare time...

                    Caleb
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    • Profile picture of the author Tina Golden
      There's no businesses par say in my town, there are shops, stores, restaurants etc.
      Caleb, those ARE businesses. They may not be the fun and sexy businesses you want but you will still learn a lot. You want to learn a lot about customer behavior, impulse buying, how people shop - work at a retail store. Any retail store. Think of it as lessons in marketing because the basic principles of sales and marketing are the same offline and online - no matter what business it is.

      I hate to sound like the mother hen but not everything is going to be fun, cool or "sick". If you go at it with the right attitude, you can get a lot out of this.

      Tina
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      • Profile picture of the author Caleb Spilchen
        Tina,

        Originally Posted by TMG Enterprises View Post

        Caleb, those ARE businesses. They may not be the fun and sexy businesses you want but you will still learn a lot. You want to learn a lot about customer behavior, impulse buying, how people shop - work at a retail store. Any retail store. Think of it as lessons in marketing because the basic principles of sales and marketing are the same offline and online - no matter what business it is.

        I hate to sound like the mother hen but not everything is going to be fun, cool or "sick". If you go at it with the right attitude, you can get a lot out of this.

        Tina
        Please see the post above.. for my clarification .. I don't think I would be able to get one at a retail store; in any case, I know restaurants and all that... Any suggestions for anything.. I kinda have to have "three" options with reasons for tomorrow morning for the person

        Caleb
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  • Profile picture of the author Caleb Spilchen
    Jill,

    So a restaurant is not a business?

    I'm ready to slap you.
    What I meant to say was corporations, and big company offices.... Like a Microsoft office, you get what I mean now??

    And yes, it is a business.

    Caleb
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    • Profile picture of the author Jill Carpenter
      Originally Posted by Caleb Spilchen View Post

      Jill,



      What I meant to say was corporations, and big company offices.... Like a Microsoft office, you get what I mean now??

      And yes, it is a business.

      Caleb
      :confused:

      The small mom and pop places have just as much to offer in a learning experience as many large corporations.
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      • Profile picture of the author Caleb Spilchen
        Jill,


        Originally Posted by avenuegirl View Post

        :confused:

        The small mom and pop places have just as much to offer in a learning experience as many large corporations.
        Yes, But I want more of the corporate office experience that I can use for later in life... something makes me feel like I've started a fight with all the "moms" wanting the best for me

        Thankz..
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        • Profile picture of the author IdeasThatExcel
          Originally Posted by Caleb Spilchen View Post

          Jill,


          Yes, But I want more of the corporate office experience that I can use for later in life... something makes me feel like I've started a fight with all the "moms" wanting the best for me

          Thankz..
          All I can say is you will get a much broader and better experience with a small company than you will with a big company.
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      • Profile picture of the author Jill Carpenter
        BTW - corporate places really suck.

        Many of them are cold, have lots of flourescent lights, and people have to wear suits and crap.

        lol, someone will probably slap me now for saying that - but I wouldn't want to deal with a corporate atmosphere.

        Those were the most miserable job interviews I ever had.
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      • Profile picture of the author MilesT
        Originally Posted by avenuegirl View Post

        :confused:

        The small mom and pop places have just as much to offer in a learning experience as many large corporations.
        Caleb, dude. Listen closely.

        They are right.

        I've written for the "large corporation" types (Apple, Yahoo, Dell, Nike...) and trust me you'll get a better education fighting it out on the front line with the small guys, because the big guys wont let you anywhere near the front line.

        Talk with the owners, learn their concerns, find solutions to their bottom line. But mostly listen.
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  • Profile picture of the author Sleaklight
    You could learn more from a small shop or restaurant than a big coporation setting where everything is sectioned off. In a small setting you will get to see the big picture. How everything connects and how every decision you make affects the business. In a big place, sure you may see how everything connects, but you wont be able to quickly see the effects of the changes and implementations that took place.
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    • Profile picture of the author mcmahanusa
      A well-run restaurant is one of the best business models you can find. All aspects of running a business are found there: advertising, customer service and support, employee relations, customer relations, quality control, the list is endless. And whereas in a big corporation you might see only a small part of the machine, in a restaurant you can see all parts. And because of the size, you can get a far more intimate view of the inner workings than you might a large company.

      I know of no better practical hands-on business training than a restaurant.
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      • Profile picture of the author Caleb Spilchen
        mcmahanusa,

        Originally Posted by mcmahanusa View Post

        A well-run restaurant is one of the best business models you can find. All aspects of running a business are found there: advertising, customer service and support, employee relations, customer relations, quality control, the list is endless. And whereas in a big corporation you might see only a small part of the machine, in a restaurant you can see all parts. And because of the size, you can get a far more intimate view of the inner workings than you might a large company.

        I know of no better practical hands-on business training than a restaurant.
        Thank you for the advice, and the very good points.

        Caleb
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    • Profile picture of the author Jill Carpenter
      Let me just answer your question:

      What would I do?

      Provided your age, and appropriate position for you within lets say a restaurant - may be host.

      As a host, you'd greet customers, seat them, say goodnight, keep track of tables and what is available, take orders over the phone maybe, dress nice for the job, and you'd get to walk around a bit and socialize with others.

      What is more important is what you learn watching other things going on during down time.

      Now as for a corporation, if they figure out your skill set they might actually make you work to make money for them. lol

      You can do a real internship anytime in the future. Just look for something to have fun with for now. Get a job that does not suck the life out of you so you can apply your energy to your own business when you are free.

      You are too young to be getting too serious and working for nothing IMO.
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      • Profile picture of the author Caleb Spilchen
        Jill,

        Originally Posted by avenuegirl View Post

        Let me just answer your question:

        What would I do?

        Provided your age, and appropriate position for you within lets say a restaurant - may be host.

        As a host, you'd greet customers, seat them, say goodnight, keep track of tables and what is available, take orders over the phone maybe, dress nice for the job, and you'd get to walk around a bit and socialize with others.

        What is more important is what you learn watching other things going on during down time.

        Now as for a corporation, if they figure out your skill set they might actually make you work to make money for them. lol

        You can do a real internship anytime in the future. Just look for something to have fun with for now. Get a job that does not suck the life out of you so you can apply your energy to your own business when you are free.

        You are too young to be getting too serious and working for nothing IMO.
        Thank you for your ideas .

        The co-op would be two periods (the afternoon) for those who are wondering.. and would get me 2 needed credits.

        Caleb
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  • Profile picture of the author Caleb Spilchen
    Everyone,

    find solutions to their bottom line.
    I'll add marketing companies, and local business that need marketing to my list.. I wonder if I can get in anywhere .. If not, I guess.. another 2 classes in the works..
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  • Profile picture of the author Brad Gosse
    Caleb

    Try a printing company. They do lot's of tech and many are online in a BIG way

    Learning the print biz is a great way to get good with graphics apps too.
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    • Profile picture of the author Caleb Spilchen
      Brad,

      Originally Posted by Brad Gosse View Post

      Caleb

      Try a printing company. They do lot's of tech and many are online in a BIG way

      Learning the print biz is a great way to get good with graphics apps too.
      Good Advice... Putting this all on my bucket list lol.. No seriously, going to make and print a list asap.

      Caleb
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    • Profile picture of the author DogScout
      Originally Posted by Brad Gosse View Post

      Caleb

      Try a printing company. They do lot's of tech and many are online in a BIG way

      Learning the print biz is a great way to get good with graphics apps too.
      And/or video (BTW, 32 years in sales... twice as long as you have been alive. Yet somehow, I think you are either kicking my butt in IM or going to. Lol.)
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      • Profile picture of the author Caleb Spilchen
        DogScout,

        Originally Posted by DogScout View Post

        And/or video
        Thanks for your add-in

        Caleb
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  • Profile picture of the author Caleb Spilchen
    Here is the list...

    Originally Posted by thelist

    1) Marketing - Perhaps for Realtors, and for Car Dealerships. Helping to boost sales.
    2) Ad Companies - Advertisment Marketing
    3) Restaurant - Serving Customers Etc.
    4) Radio Station
    5) Print Shop
    Thoughts...?


    Caleb
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    • Profile picture of the author Steven Wagenheim
      Got any hotels in your area? Most of them now use reservation software. It's
      not super tech but it's a start.

      Plus, you'll learn a lot about running a business from watching how a hotel
      runs. It's more involved than most people realize.

      Plus, there is a lot of marketing involved when it comes to running room
      specials and putting together packages for tourists.
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      • Profile picture of the author Caleb Spilchen
        Steven,

        Originally Posted by Steven Wagenheim View Post

        Got any hotels in your area? Most of them now use reservation software. It's
        not super tech but it's a start.

        Plus, you'll learn a lot about running a business from watching how a hotel
        runs. It's more involved than most people realize.

        Plus, there is a lot of marketing involved when it comes to running room
        specials and putting together packages for tourists.
        Wow. Steven Wagenheim gave me advice! Ok, I'll cut the excitement .. I've added that to my list... Now we have.

        1) Marketing - Perhaps for Realtors, and for Car Dealerships. Helping to boost sales.
        2) Ad Companies - Advertisment Marketing
        3) Restaurant - Serving Customers Etc.
        4) Radio Station
        5) Print Shop
        6) Hotels.
        Caleb
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      • Profile picture of the author mcmahanusa
        Originally Posted by Steven Wagenheim View Post

        Got any hotels in your area? Most of them now use reservation software. It's
        not super tech but it's a start.

        Plus, you'll learn a lot about running a business from watching how a hotel
        runs. It's more involved than most people realize.

        Plus, there is a lot of marketing involved when it comes to running room
        specials and putting together packages for tourists.
        Steven,

        That's a very good suggestion. In a hotel you will see an incredibly wide range of skills needed. In a way, a hotel is sort of a microcosm of a small city, with all the disciplines involved: ranging from engineering, mechanical, electrical, marketing, accounting, human resources, upper and lower level management. If the hotel has a restaurant and bar, as so many do, you can add even more to the mix.

        Even that most underrated of hotel departments, yet the one which is vital to the hotel's success, housekeeping, has a lot to teach.
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        • Profile picture of the author Caleb Spilchen
          mcmahanusa,

          Originally Posted by mcmahanusa View Post

          Steven,

          That's a very good suggestion. In a hotel you will see an incredibly wide range of skills needed. In a way, a hotel is sort of a microcosm of a small city, with all the disciplines involved: ranging from engineering, mechanical, electrical, marketing, accounting, human resources, upper and lower level management. If the hotel has a restaurant and bar, as so many do, you can add even more to the mix.

          Even that most underrated of hotel departments, yet the one which is vital to the hotel's success, housekeeping, has a lot to teach.
          It has been added to the list...

          Caleb
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          • Profile picture of the author imon32red
            I have 15 years worth of sales experience either running my own gigs or working for someone else. The place that I learned the most is probably the least glamorous. I pitched timeshares for a couple of years. I learned how to have my customers ask me to buy. It is hard to explain but there really is a certain point that you need to get to in your sales pitch, and then they will buy anything from you.

            First you find out a little about what they want. This leads you into your sell. Then you talk about why your product is so great. The trick is to tell them enough to peak their interest. Don't give them all of the answers, just tell them most of it. If you do it right price is not an issue because they are interested in what you are offering, not your competitor. Anyways, there is a point where you know that you have them. This is where you show them how to get started. If they balk either you really didn't have them, or you just need to do a take-away. Thank them for their time and move on to the next customer. A lot of the time they will throw in the towel and buy what you are selling.

            Now what did that have to do with IM? Everything. I use that training everyday. When I am coming up with an Adwords campaign I use just enough information to get them interested enough to click. When I sell my ebooks my covers sell my books. I normally do quite a bit better than my competition. It is because I put myself in the customers shoes, and I try to visualize if my book cover will capture their attention. I try to focus on content, not price on my ebooks. Anyways, I use the skills that I gained in the real world to enable me to succeed at IM. And the places that I learned them are not glamorous.
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            • Profile picture of the author Caleb Spilchen
              imon32red,


              Originally Posted by imon32red View Post

              I have 15 years worth of sales experience either running my own gigs or working for someone else. The place that I learned the most is probably the least glamorous. I pitched timeshares for a couple of years. I learned how to have my customers ask me to buy. It is hard to explain but there really is a certain point that you need to get to in your sales pitch, and then they will buy anything from you.

              First you find out a little about what they want. This leads you into your sell. Then you talk about why your product is so great. The trick is to tell them enough to peak their interest. Don't give them all of the answers, just tell them most of it. If you do it right price is not an issue because they are interested in what you are offering, not your competitor. Anyways, there is a point where you know that you have them. This is where you show them how to get started. If they balk either you really didn't have them, or you just need to do a take-away. Thank them for their time and move on to the next customer. A lot of the time they will throw in the towel and buy what you are selling.

              Now what did that have to do with IM? Everything. I use that training everyday. When I am coming up with an Adwords campaign I use just enough information to get them interested enough to click. When I sell my ebooks my covers sell my books. I normally do quite a bit better than my competition. It is because I put myself in the customers shoes, and I try to visualize if my book cover will capture their attention. I try to focus on content, not price on my ebooks. Anyways, I use the skills that I gained in the real world to enable me to succeed at IM. And the places that I learned them are not glamorous.
              You've been in sales... as long as I've been alive

              Caleb
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      • Profile picture of the author Coby
        Originally Posted by Steven Wagenheim View Post

        Got any hotels in your area? Most of them now use reservation software. It's
        not super tech but it's a start.

        Plus, you'll learn a lot about running a business from watching how a hotel
        runs. It's more involved than most people realize.

        Plus, there is a lot of marketing involved when it comes to running room
        specials and putting together packages for tourists.
        Hotels are cool! I used to work the front desk at a holiday inn. I liked it b/c you get to dress nice but not necessarily a suit, just shirt and tie. Got to use computers alot, even if for just reservations. Also, got to learn some customer service and lots about marketing. Believe it or not, big hotels will teach you alot about marketing and retaining customers.

        Also, what I liked the most was the down time, lol. This gave me a chance to work on my laptop doing homework, surfing the net, or whatever. Plus, free wifi
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    • Profile picture of the author Jill Carpenter
      Originally Posted by Caleb Spilchen View Post

      Here is the list...



      Thoughts...?


      Caleb
      Here's another thought for you - not sure if it is just opening a can of worm though.

      Have you thought about talking to your guidance counselor about this?

      I know you a tiny bit from FNC - but I'm wondering if you can get credits to work on your own business - OR if he/she might have some other ideas for you based on where you live. You'd need to explain your situation.

      lol, you probably make more than they do - but they might have some ideas on what might best compliment what you are doing now and may have better ideas on where to send you - and what might "round you out" a bit.

      Not to mention, they may write up a letter for you to recommend you to get into places others may not be qualified to go.

      Just a thought.
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      • Profile picture of the author Caleb Spilchen
        Jill,

        Originally Posted by avenuegirl View Post

        Here's another thought for you - not sure if it is just opening a can of worm though.

        Have you thought about talking to your guidance counselor about this?

        I know you a tiny bit from FNC - but I'm wondering if you can get credits to work on your own business - OR if he/she might have some other ideas for you based on where you live. You'd need to explain your situation.

        lol, you probably make more than they do - but they might have some ideas on what might best compliment what you are doing now and may have better ideas on where to send you - and what might "round you out" a bit.

        Not to mention, they may write up a letter for you to recommend you to get into places others may not be qualified to go.

        Just a thought.
        Too late for that.... Lol.. I was supposed to have this all done last year, but then we had it done, and then they lost the deal with the hospital IT or something.... Will try that to.

        Caleb
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  • Profile picture of the author vpgemini
    Between Steve's idea about tourism and the others I would look at the tourism. As well look at local marketing for a company such as a real estate firm or similar company that sees the power and advantage to having someone well versed on online campaigns.

    It is often better working for a smaller company as oppossed to a large conglomerate. Smaller is usually a closer nitch bunch of folks as a large corporate environment is more instense with corporate infighting with people who are only out for themselves. So you will be more on your own and that makes it hard to learn if you are truly trying to excel and learn.

    Your in Ontario? Thats a pretty big province isn't it? You should be able to find quite many company's looking to have someone knowledgable about online marketing join their team.
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    • Profile picture of the author Sardent
      Businesses are also catching onto the IM aspect of business. Some are farther along than others, actually hiring people to blog, or to be new media specialists.

      Since this sounds like an unpaid internship, perhaps you could approach some businesses you have an interest in and pitch the concept of taking you on for this program, and doing this for them. Although it would be best if they already something working like this, after the whole concept is for this to be learning experience for you.
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      • Profile picture of the author imon32red
        Originally Posted by Sardent View Post

        Businesses are also catching onto the IM aspect of business. Some are farther along than others, actually hiring people to blog, or to be new media specialists.

        Since this sounds like an unpaid internship, perhaps you could approach some businesses you have an interest in and pitch the concept of taking you on for this program, and doing this for them. Although it would be best if they already something working like this, after the whole concept is for this to be learning experience for you.

        I like this idea. And then when the internship is over you can offer to maintain their website or blog for a nice honest fee.
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      • Profile picture of the author Caleb Spilchen
        Sardent;

        Originally Posted by Sardent View Post

        Businesses are also catching onto the IM aspect of business. Some are farther along than others, actually hiring people to blog, or to be new media specialists.

        Since this sounds like an unpaid internship, perhaps you could approach some businesses you have an interest in and pitch the concept of taking you on for this program, and doing this for them. Although it would be best if they already something working like this, after the whole concept is for this to be learning experience for you.
        Great ideas in there...

        Caleb
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    • Profile picture of the author Caleb Spilchen
      vpgemini;

      Originally Posted by vpgemini View Post

      Between Steve's idea about tourism and the others I would look at the tourism. As well look at local marketing for a company such as a real estate firm or similar company that sees the power and advantage to having someone well versed on online campaigns.

      It is often better working for a smaller company as oppossed to a large conglomerate. Smaller is usually a closer nitch bunch of folks as a large corporate environment is more instense with corporate infighting with people who are only out for themselves. So you will be more on your own and that makes it hard to learn if you are truly trying to excel and learn.

      Your in Ontario? Thats a pretty big province isn't it? You should be able to find quite many company's looking to have someone knowledgable about online marketing join their team.
      Both are on the list... Has to be located in my town.

      Caleb
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  • Profile picture of the author jennypitts
    I guess the mother in me has to agree with almost everyone here particularly Jill and Tina. It was deja vu all of a sudden when I read Caleb's post. You see, I have two teen daughters and they too have been talking about their internships and/or coops and having totally different interests, they cracked me up when they both told us that they simply could not find a place that was good or that would teach them anything. For example, one of them is an athlete, very outgoing, total tennis player, and interested in sports management and when I told her to volunteer for the local YMCA she almost flipped. I could not help but laugh when I heard her say that was not related to Tennis. The local YMCA offers a wide selection of sports for children whose parents can't afford private lessons. Not to mention that they compete with other towns and some kids even audition for Olympic teams. After I told her all of those details, I sold her.

    Lesson learned Caleb, you never know where you can gain the most knowledge that will be beneficial in future endeavors. You should approach each opportunity in life as a learning experience. And as Jill and Tina said, restaurants and small business owners OFTEN lack the expertise to market themselves and their products accordingly.
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    • Profile picture of the author Caleb Spilchen
      Jenny,

      Originally Posted by jennypitts View Post

      I guess the mother in me has to agree with almost everyone here particularly Jill and Tina. It was deja vu all of a sudden when I read Caleb's post. You see, I have two teen daughters and they too have been talking about their internships and/or coops and having totally different interests, they cracked me up when they both told us that they simply could not find a place that was good or that would teach them anything. For example, one of them is an athlete, very outgoing, total tennis player, and interested in sports management and when I told her to volunteer for the local YMCA she almost flipped. I could not help but laugh when I heard her say that was not related to Tennis. The local YMCA offers a wide selection of sports for children whose parents can't afford private lessons. Not to mention that they compete with other towns and some kids even audition for Olympic teams. After I told her all of those details, I sold her.

      Lesson learned Caleb, you never know where you can gain the most knowledge that will be beneficial in future endeavors. You should approach each opportunity in life as a learning experience. And as Jill and Tina said, restaurants and small business owners OFTEN lack the expertise to market themselves and their products accordingly.
      Thank you for your ideas ;-)

      Caleb
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  • Profile picture of the author Halli
    Are there no companies with sale departments? I found it important to me to learn good communications.It teaches you a lot about dealing with customers. I learned a lot about calming upset customers,getting rejected,cold calling and many things related to selling.Even though human interactions aren't as much in IM as in other businesses it is still a valuable skill to have.Today this experience has given me the comfort and confidence to sell if I need to. I'm so sure about my communication skills that I think I'd even be able to sell condoms to monks :p
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    • Profile picture of the author Caleb Spilchen
      Halli,

      Originally Posted by Halli View Post

      Are there no companies with sale departments? I found it important to me to learn good communications.It teaches you a lot about dealing with customers. I learned a lot about calming upset customers,getting rejected,cold calling and many things related to selling.Even though human interactions aren't as much in IM as in other businesses it is still a valuable skill to have.Today this experience has given me the comfort and confidence to sell if I need to. I'm so sure about my communication skills that I think I'd even be able to sell condoms to monks :p
      Thanks for your ideas...

      Caleb
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  • Profile picture of the author MichaelHiles
    Caleb, I will second what Brad Gosse told you.

    Way back in 1993, I started working for Kinko's, a copy shop chain in the US (now called FexEx after they bought it out). I worked there over 3rd shift while starting my web development company so I could keep my days free to do what I needed for the business.

    I also had access to all the production equipment I needed to do professional proposals, etc...

    What I didn't bargain for was that EVERY BUSINESS PERSON UNDER THE SUN USES A COPY CENTER... or at least it seemed that way.

    Some of my biggest business deals were the result of relationships that were created in some way connected to my time at Kinko's.
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    • Profile picture of the author Caleb Spilchen
      Michael,

      Originally Posted by MichaelHiles View Post

      Caleb, I will second what Brad Gosse told you.

      Way back in 1993, I started working for Kinko's, a copy shop chain in the US (now called FexEx after they bought it out). I worked there over 3rd shift while starting my web development company so I could keep my days free to do what I needed for the business.

      I also had access to all the production equipment I needed to do professional proposals, etc...

      What I didn't bargain for was that EVERY BUSINESS PERSON UNDER THE SUN USES A COPY CENTER... or at least it seemed that way.

      Some of my biggest business deals were the result of relationships that were created in some way connected to my time at Kinko's.
      Thanks for your ideas.

      Caleb...
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  • Profile picture of the author Caleb Spilchen
    Chris,

    Originally Posted by Chris Kent View Post

    Caleb, try and do offline marketing for one of these businesses.

    Forget the corporate world. When younger, many of us saw white collar workers in offices and the Charlie Sheen character in Wall Street. Many of us wanted to be these guys.

    The reality is that it sucks apart from a small minority of corporate jobs. btw I'm amazed that you want any corporate experience at all, given that you've figured out being a marketer and entrepreneur at such an early age. Is it a backup plan? Or are you still aiming for a white collar future?
    Not really possible with the point-of-this-program...

    Caleb
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    • Profile picture of the author Caleb Spilchen
      Chris,
      Originally Posted by Chris Kent View Post

      Well, what is the point of this program?

      I assumed it was to get valuable unpaid work experience. By telling businesses you can do an analysis of their online marketing for them for free, many I am sure will give you a desk and computer and let you get on with it for a week or two.

      This way, you get the name of the company on your resume, a glowing reference and also a portfolio of your work to show new clients. Everybody wins.
      Actually it's a half-year thing... Where your going to a job position, so unfortunately that's not an option... I woulda liked to run my own biz in that..

      Caleb
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  • Profile picture of the author Don Schenk
    Caleb,

    Like others have said, "Forget the corporate world."

    In a small business you will have access to the owner(s), and these are the people who can help you learn about business. Because you will have access to the owner(s), you can ask questions and get quality answers.

    In a large corporate world that will never happen.

    :-Don
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    • Profile picture of the author Caleb Spilchen
      Don;

      Originally Posted by Don Schenk View Post

      Caleb,

      Like others have said, "Forget the corporate world."

      In a small business you will have access to the owner(s), and these are the people who can help you learn about business. Because you will have access to the owner(s), you can ask questions and get quality answers.

      In a large corporate world that will never happen.

      :-Don
      Good ideas.

      Caleb
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  • Profile picture of the author Caleb Spilchen
    and tina, now is the co op time ... Classes are all done for the day
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  • Profile picture of the author JohnMcCabe
    Originally Posted by avenuegirl View Post

    :confused:

    The small mom and pop places have just as much to offer in a learning experience as many large corporations.
    Caleb, I was going to wait until I'd read all the responses, but it seems you have time constraints.

    I'll put it bluntly...

    If you want to learn to make copies, run errands and do any crap detail no one else wants to do, get a co-op or internship in a big corporation.

    If you want to actually learn something about running a business day-to-day, and have a chance to actually do something that benefits you, a small company with a sympathetic owner is far and away your best bet.

    If you co-op in a small business where the owner is hands-on, you stand a good chance of getting access to the issues and challenges the owner faces, and a chance to formulate and offer suggestions.

    And I'm definitely NOT one of the "Internet Moms" you sem to be dismissing so casually.

    Now I'll go back and read the other replies...
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    • Profile picture of the author Caleb Spilchen
      John;

      Originally Posted by JohnMcCabe View Post

      Caleb, I was going to wait until I'd read all the responses, but it seems you have time constraints.

      I'll put it bluntly...

      If you want to learn to make copies, run errands and do any crap detail no one else wants to do, get a co-op or internship in a big corporation.

      If you want to actually learn something about running a business day-to-day, and have a chance to actually do something that benefits you, a small company with a sympathetic owner is far and away your best bet.

      If you co-op in a small business where the owner is hands-on, you stand a good chance of getting access to the issues and challenges the owner faces, and a chance to formulate and offer suggestions.

      And I'm definitely NOT one of the "Internet Moms" you sem to be dismissing so casually.

      Now I'll go back and read the other replies...
      Great Points .. Thanks for your advise, and I certainly wasn't dismissing anyones advice, and in-fact mentioned all of yours at the meeting I had today... Which I still couldn't get anything... But there working on it.

      Caleb
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  • Profile picture of the author Goatboy
    I can tell you from direct experince that in a Real Estate office, you might be allowed to clean up, lawn care, or if you are lucky, some filing or typing. At least, those are the jobs that I often had available for youngsters, because Real Estate is a licensed occupation in most places and the agents have to be careful about hiring non-licensees for certain classes of work. Unfortunately, there is an age issue with getting you a license.

    I'm afraid that a large corporation might be even worse since the only position they may have open is in the mail room or running errands around the grounds.

    Out of all of the suggestions that I have seen here so far, I would choose a Printing Company first, or even the local newspaper. Perhaps you could be a reporter or an assistant editor or advertising editor. After that I would look at restaurant, grocery store and then car dealers, etc.

    Steve
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    • Profile picture of the author Steven Wagenheim
      For what it's worth, back in 1977 to 1981, I worked at my uncle's electronics
      store business where he sold and rented TVs and other things.

      I learned the business. To this day, I could teach it to anybody.

      John is 100%. There are things you will learn about running a business from
      a small operation than you will ever learn from a big company.

      How do I know?

      I worked at AT&T from 1984 to 1986.

      I learned NOTHING but how to program a computer.

      Big deal.

      Take this for what it's worth to you.
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      • Profile picture of the author Caleb Spilchen
        Steven;

        Originally Posted by Steven Wagenheim View Post

        For what it's worth, back in 1977 to 1981, I worked at my uncle's electronics
        store business where he sold and rented TVs and other things.

        I learned the business. To this day, I could teach it to anybody.

        John is 100%. There are things you will learn about running a business from
        a small operation than you will ever learn from a big company.

        How do I know?

        I worked at AT&T from 1984 to 1986.

        I learned NOTHING but how to program a computer.

        Big deal.

        Take this for what it's worth to you.
        It's worth a lot.. Thank you for the awesome insights, you are surely a good guy ... I really do appreciate it.

        As for the hotel, the co-op office asked "Do you want to clean rooms".. LOL. So, that's a no-go.

        However, I did ask about marketing, and he said... That' I do know marketing and now he's trying to talk to a consulting company.. should be interesting

        Caleb
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    • Profile picture of the author JohnMcCabe
      Caleb, I want to add another point...

      If you get into the right situation, you'll learn more outside the actual framework of what you're doing for the business.

      I was a couple of years older than you, but I learned an awful lot from the owners of the business I worked in while we were sitting around after hours. Once they knew I was serious about learning what they had to teach, they'd talk about stuff that was going on - potential deals, hassles with sales reps, opportunities they saw, how they solved various problems, whatever. I learned more from some of the war stories than I did in some college classes.

      If you get into a good coop, don't look at it as a couple of hours a day. Look at it as a chance to build a relationship with a possible mentor...
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      • Profile picture of the author NicheMayhem
        Originally Posted by JohnMcCabe View Post

        Caleb, I want to add another point...

        If you get into the right situation, you'll learn more outside the actual framework of what you're doing for the business.

        I was a couple of years older than you, but I learned an awful lot from the owners of the business I worked in while we were sitting around after hours. Once they knew I was serious about learning what they had to teach, they'd talk about stuff that was going on - potential deals, hassles with sales reps, opportunities they saw, how they solved various problems, whatever. I learned more from some of the war stories than I did in some college classes.

        If you get into a good coop, don't look at it as a couple of hours a day. Look at it as a chance to build a relationship with a possible mentor...
        Very solid and good advice there John, I was going to say the same thing.

        Caleb,

        Another thing to ponder is how even though you may be stuck doing menial tasks, you will still want to do them well and show your initiative to those who may be able to aid you in your trek towards success at a young age.

        Hopefully, whatever you choose to do you will be able to observe as much about what makes the business tick as possible. Try to keep an eye on local advertisements and take notice when the place you are at runs a new ad or if and when their ad runs on a schedule. If you can figure out when the ad runs or which days the business is targeting an increase in exposure, chances are the reason is those days are slow. Take into account how many customers are in that day and ask managers or owners questions about their advertising efforts wherever possible. Observing proven advertising campaigns will be extra beneficial to your online efforts since essentially we are all neck deep in the advertising game. Of course that though relates mostly to places like a restaurant or some type of store.

        Print shops like Kinko's or the UPS store, imagine most/all communities now have a UPS store (?), would be my top choices if it were me. What local businesses are printing, shipping, and receiving is a rather enlightening thing to observe from my experience. Especially the printing of flyers and pamphlet type materials, taking notice of the different designs and layout could be beneficial.

        Oh and BTW, you completely remind of Chas from the movie The Royal Tenenbaums, you should watch it sometime if you get a chance, lol.
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        • Profile picture of the author Martin Luxton
          Caleb,

          I'm going to go against the tide here.

          Find a really boring, horrible McJob.

          Then for the rest of your life you can think, "Thank god I have the
          skills and nous to make a good living online."


          Martin
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          • Profile picture of the author NicheMayhem
            Originally Posted by Martin Luxton View Post

            Caleb,

            I'm going to go against the tide here.

            Find a really boring, horrible McJob.

            Then for the rest of your life you can think, "Thank god I have the
            skills and nous to make a good living online."


            Martin
            Lol, yes go and suffer like the rest of us did for all those years as mindless drones sitting in traffic every morning with all the other mindless drones.

            Many more lessons and appreciation in doing that for a few years...which is a sad reality and a truckload of motivation for many IM'ers, like me for instance.

            My first job was at a Hardee's fast food place, I cooked de chicken. They did have some delicious chicken though, I got a 3% discount.
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      • Profile picture of the author Caleb Spilchen
        John;


        Originally Posted by JohnMcCabe View Post

        Caleb, I want to add another point...

        If you get into the right situation, you'll learn more outside the actual framework of what you're doing for the business.

        I was a couple of years older than you, but I learned an awful lot from the owners of the business I worked in while we were sitting around after hours. Once they knew I was serious about learning what they had to teach, they'd talk about stuff that was going on - potential deals, hassles with sales reps, opportunities they saw, how they solved various problems, whatever. I learned more from some of the war stories than I did in some college classes.

        If you get into a good coop, don't look at it as a couple of hours a day. Look at it as a chance to build a relationship with a possible mentor...
        Exactly! Thank you for the advice, it really is boiling up my mind par say.

        Caleb
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    • Profile picture of the author Caleb Spilchen
      Goatboy,

      Originally Posted by Goatboy View Post

      I can tell you from direct experince that in a Real Estate office, you might be allowed to clean up, lawn care, or if you are lucky, some filing or typing. At least, those are the jobs that I often had available for youngsters, because Real Estate is a licensed occupation in most places and the agents have to be careful about hiring non-licensees for certain classes of work. Unfortunately, there is an age issue with getting you a license.

      I'm afraid that a large corporation might be even worse since the only position they may have open is in the mail room or running errands around the grounds.

      Out of all of the suggestions that I have seen here so far, I would choose a Printing Company first, or even the local newspaper. Perhaps you could be a reporter or an assistant editor or advertising editor. After that I would look at restaurant, grocery store and then car dealers, etc.

      Steve
      Thank you for your ideas... They are actually helpful.

      Caleb
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  • Profile picture of the author TPFLegionaire
    Hi Caleb,

    I am going to take a slightly contrarian point of view as to what has just been said, you are focusing on what business skills you can learn from being in different type of business and most posters above have pitched in giving the merits and pitfalls of internship with various type of companies
    Which ones would offer you the best value in terms of growing your awareness in business process, that kind of things.

    Well, I am going to lay out a possible other way of looking at it. I don't think you should focus on the business processes of the places you are considering , I don't think that's where you can get the most value.

    I think you should focus on people and culture

    I think you should choose your place of internship with the aim of understanding people and culture (ethnicity and corporate culture).

    The ability to relate to many people and cultures will , in my opinion serve you better than learning the mechanics of running a pizza place , having said that there is an overlap.

    What I am saying is, don't treat this as a business learning experience but as a people learning experience

    Challenge yourself and your views on life by choosing a place that will enable you to do that.

    Think foreign owned and staffed businesses (you are white, you may or may not have black, latino or chinese friends, fill the gap )
    Think activities that you don't normally do (ever worked on a farm?)
    Challenge your beliefs and social norms (I am sure you are saying no to drugs, but try working in a drug rehab centre to try to understand the ones who said yes )

    You'll have plenty of time to learn about business and it will be a lot easier when you are at ease with people of all shape and size

    Broaden your horizons

    Good luck with the program.
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  • Profile picture of the author Gary King
    Caleb,

    Agreed with TPFLegionaire... try to (sorry) "think outside the box" if you options are somewhat limited.

    Based on what you are layout out for available opportunities, the advice of finding a small biz is a great idea. If you really want to get inside dirt, consider a family-owned / run business. While this has many many benefits, often you'll see poor decisions made or things overlooked because it's family. ;-)

    It'll happen elsewhere too, just and example, so don't everybody start typing in caps ok?

    If there's any kind of marketing firm / design firm in your area, that could be great (obviously) - you could also consider the copy shop like @MichaelHiles suggested.

    You would probably be amazed at how many small business owners "design" flyers and stuff and print them there. It could be an eye-opening experience to see the quality of these items that are meant to be the "best face forward" of a company.

    Might even give you the next big business idea... ;-)

    All success (I'm sure you'll grab it)

    Gary
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  • Profile picture of the author waterotter
    Hi Caleb,

    I am familiar with "Co-Operative Education" program as I worked for the Board Of Ed. It is a great program. May I suggest an accounting firm or an accountant. Just think about it!

    waterotter
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  • Profile picture of the author Goatboy
    I just recalled that my nephew was about 15 when he got his first job, which was at the local lumberyard. It is not the most glamorous job, but it paid well and he learned all the sizes of the different bolts, what all the different nails are for, and most importantly he learned how to meet a customer who had walked in the door find out what that individual needed and then help solve the customer’s problem.

    Solving customer problems is one of the main goals of sales, that is an important aspect of all marketing and the only real way to learn it is by practice. That means you need to find a job where you will actually interact with the public and be able to practice your problem-solving skills.

    Steve
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  • Profile picture of the author Caleb Spilchen
    The cool thing is... there looking at a marketing place, I don't think they have a contact there, but... they called.

    Caleb
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  • Profile picture of the author humbledmarket
    Banned
    Perhaps you could work for a local business and spend your time developing a marketing stragety for them while helping them market their business. I'm sure they will be very grateful and also build a good rapport.

    If you want to pick up learning you could perhaps join something within the municipal; even in a small town; I'd imagine there would be some it group?
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  • Profile picture of the author Caleb Spilchen
    No IT avail.... They called them though.

    Umm... As for your business suggestion, I would just end up washing toilets etc.... But this consulting one,,, sounds interesting ...
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  • Profile picture of the author Goatboy
    Cool! At least they are trying to find something that fits with your own goals. Often they just want to take the easy way out and lump you into the first thing that comes along.
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  • Profile picture of the author cbenzler
    Banned
    [DELETED]
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    • Profile picture of the author Caleb Spilchen
      C,

      Originally Posted by cbenzler View Post

      This thread has a lot of value.
      I have a feeling someone wants to run up their post count... if you could kindly, not do it in my thread.. would be awesome!
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  • Profile picture of the author Caleb Spilchen
    Goatboy,

    They for some reason; love what they do... He told me this though;

    'If we lived in toronto or ottawa, finding you a placement in marketing would be easy, but we live in hicktown'..
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  • Profile picture of the author Andy Fletcher
    If I were you I'd go find yourself a pub/restaurant chain and go work on the front line as a waiter/bar tender (ok, scratch that you're probably not old enough, sorry). Basically anything on the front where you are dealing with customers all the time.

    Every decent franchise/chain in the industry has a ridiculous amount of sales/marketing training that they put everyone through and you'll learn heaps.

    A friend of mine recently took a minimum wage bar tending job doing a few evenings a week after his regular job. It was purely to try something new, the guy is a software developer during the day so it's not like the 5 quid an hour made any difference to him money wise.

    What he discovered was that before they let him behind the bar he had to go through tons of sales and marketing training. They drilled him on cross sells (Guiness tastes better with peanuts you know), upsells (make it a double for an extra pound?), setting and hitting sales targets (per person, per store, per day, per week, Everything you can think of).

    All that for a minimum wage bar tending job!

    Please note, you'll be far more tempted to go to a non-chain, non-franchise place. They'll have a friendlier atmosphere and you'll have a much easier time of it BUT they don't have the support of a company headquarters churning out ridiculously good training materials. Don't trade the easy life short term when you could learn invaluable life skills that'll be with you forever.
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    • Profile picture of the author Caleb Spilchen
      Andy;

      Originally Posted by Andy Fletcher View Post

      If I were you I'd go find yourself a pub/restaurant chain and go work on the front line as a waiter/bar tender (ok, scratch that you're probably not old enough, sorry). Basically anything on the front where you are dealing with customers all the time.

      Every decent franchise/chain in the industry has a ridiculous amount of sales/marketing training that they put everyone through and you'll learn heaps.

      A friend of mine recently took a minimum wage bar tending job doing a few evenings a week after his regular job. It was purely to try something new, the guy is a software developer during the day so it's not like the 5 quid an hour made any difference to him money wise.

      What he discovered was that before they let him behind the bar he had to go through tons of sales and marketing training. They drilled him on cross sells (Guiness tastes better with peanuts you know), upsells (make it a double for an extra pound?), setting and hitting sales targets (per person, per store, per day, per week, Everything you can think of).

      All that for a minimum wage bar tending job!

      Please note, you'll be far more tempted to go to a non-chain, non-franchise place. They'll have a friendlier atmosphere and you'll have a much easier time of it BUT they don't have the support of a company headquarters churning out ridiculously good training materials. Don't trade the easy life short term when you could learn invaluable life skills that'll be with you forever.
      Thank you for your thoughts
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  • Profile picture of the author Alfred Shelver
    Caleb How about buying one of the many offline WSO's out there and using the techniques they show to land an offline client. Then when you approach some business and they pay you to get their site to number one for a local keyword like "restaurant Ontario" offer them a 50% discount if they will accept the work as part of your "co-op eduction" program. That way you kill 2 birds with one stone.

    Then take your laptop and do the work on there premises during those times.
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  • Profile picture of the author Daniel Jones
    Have you tried designing websites or running social media campaigns to promote local business?

    Be open to anything and that may mean temporarily menial work
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  • Profile picture of the author Caleb Spilchen
    I think some people might think Ontario is a city... it's a province, like a state you know?

    Just because some people have been confused before.
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  • Profile picture of the author hourox95
    It would be really cool if your school system adapt "Internet Marketing" as your Co-Op program. You're gonna be spending half of your time at a coffee shop or a place where you teens hang out with Wifi include.
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  • Profile picture of the author socialbookmark
    I think you can fit bot school and your interest which is Internet marketing without need to start another business or work for others. Or if you don't have much time, i suggest you to limit your marketing a little for example do it 2 hours a day. Then you will be sure about your business and education
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    • Profile picture of the author Caleb Spilchen
      Socialbookmark,

      Originally Posted by socialbookmark View Post

      I think you can fit bot school and your interest which is Internet marketing without need to start another business or work for others. Or if you don't have much time, i suggest you to limit your marketing a little for example do it 2 hours a day. Then you will be sure about your business and education
      The business would be part of my education, hence... co operative education..

      caleb
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      Canadian Expat Living in Medellin, Colombia

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  • Profile picture of the author mystline
    Hey Caleb,

    I'm 19, when I was 16 I was started a traineeship at a company as a web designer/marketing team photoshop monkey.

    What everyone has been saying in this thread is true. I learnt more about how to win customers, act professionally and the whole picture of what goes on than i did working in a corporate environment.

    To tell you the truth, i was bored out of my brains, at least I was allowed to talk while I washed dishes!
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  • Profile picture of the author luckyone2day
    From my own personal experience in the co-op thing when I was in school, anything will look good on your resume. My first job was through co-op and it was working in the City Hall here in NC as a collections clerk and that was always a big helper in getting a job. But follow your heart, whatever you wanna do you will find it.
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  • Profile picture of the author Caleb Spilchen
    The Final Result:

    I got on with a History Teacher at my school.. I'm going to spend my day making websites, one for his trip, and a big one, for the history dept. that will have all kinds of cool stuff from all the wars.

    I'm pumped!



    Caleb
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    Canadian Expat Living in Medellin, Colombia

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  • Profile picture of the author vpgemini
    Very cool Caleb! Sounds like it will be fun
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  • Profile picture of the author Caleb Spilchen
    Hi,

    Very cool Caleb! Sounds like it will be fun
    I very well think it will..
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    Canadian Expat Living in Medellin, Colombia

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