A letter to my son

I don't have many photos of you as a teenager, you seem to be photo shy at the moment. When you were young, it was easy, you'd happily agree for a snapspot (you really had no choice!). I secretly hope you'll quickly realise how important photos are for memories, because I really want to see more photos of us. Below is one of my favorite pictures of you. You were only 1 or 2 days old and it was your first ever bath! I was so nervous, but so so happy to be your new Mummy.

Things are not as I had planned. I pictured the white picket fence, but you know Mum and Dad have always been there for you, so that's the main thing. I blame myself for a lot of it, I know I was insecure and demanding.

It's certainly been difficult being a sole parent. I can't even begin to describe the tough times when I was on my own, when I didn't have enough money or when you had sleeping problems. But we got through it. I used to put you on the back of my bike and we'd ride up to the shops. You probably loved sitting in the seat, fresh air and all, but one day I was so exhausted I was near fainting at the chemist!

I used to ride on my scooter to work in office clothes, we didn't have a car at that stage. You'd be at Dad's house and this was my one break where I should have been enjoying the freedom and I was actually working! It was fun though, I met friends and it helped me get my career back on track.

I like watching you with Dad. I don't see much of you two together, but I know you have a great relationship and it's great, because not every boy your age would be like that with their Dad. Dad has always been there for you, when some Dads would maybe back off. For him to drive early on a Saturday morning from the airport to Lilydale and back again just for a basketball game and then to drive back again to Lilydale on Sunday is a lovely thing for Dad to do for you. I hope you remember that when you get your car one day, I'm sure he'll enjoy you driving him around.

I've enjoyed going to your basketball games, even though you know I hate the scoring. It was upsetting when you fractured your ankle, but I seemed so much more worried than you. As a child, your reasoning and worry factor are so much less than a parent.

I hope that when you grow up to be a man, you do University studies to further yourself. It's a tough world out there and that piece of paper you get will mean so much more than you'll ever know. It's a commitment but very worthwhile. I also hope you get my work ethic, I'll work like a dog until the sun goes down. I'm known for being a hard worker, but I do believe that this is key to climbing the career ladder. No boss wants a slacker!

Love you always, forever and ever, love Mum xxx

Social media - wins for organizations

An interesting article on how organizations are using social media to promote (rather successfully!)

http://www.businessinsider.com/best-branded-social-media-wins-of-the-year-so-far-2013-3?op=1


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You must read this fellow students!

This is my fourth subject in the Graduate Certificate and I am planning on getting the Diploma and possibly the Masters degree! I thought I would explain a little about the Graduate Certificate, I notice a lot of people are in their first subject. It can be difficult to get information from Swinburne, mainly for the fact of being an online student - we read everything word-for-word and it can be difficult to get advice.

Organisational Functions & Dynamics
This was my first subject. I found it very difficult to begin with, because I never finished year 12, had never done University studies and hadn't done any studying for the past 24 years! Referencing was my biggest struggle. I had to create an advertisement, do an essay and individual reports.

Managing in a Complex World
This subject was tough. I was warned it was the hardest subject in the Grad Cert and that was correct information. I would highly recommend this be undertaken on its own, i.e. don't do another subject at the same time. I had to do two essays and a group report. Even though this was the toughest, I found I learnt a lot.


Foundations of Organisational Leadership (elective)

I really enjoyed this subject. We did a group report, a PowerPoint and an essay.

Don't be afraid to ask for help. You will need to know how to reference - There is a referencing course (about 3 hours) that you can do on campus at Swinburne, alternatively if you are interstate, you can ask to get the PowerPoint of it after the event. Also, take the time to learn what the difference of all the Essays mean and familiarise yourself with the format of how Reports are laid out.

Good luck everyone, you can do it!

Organisations should embrace social media so they can survive

http://socialmediatoday.com/rgbsocial/1272466/giving-up-social-media-giving-up-your-business

Great article on making an organisation more social!

http://mashable.com/2012/02/01/business-more-social/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Mashable+%28Mashable%29

Google sites

I have been having fun with Google sites, so when you go to create your website, don't feel overwhelmed. It is quite user-friendly. We are not getting into html, it is a lot like creating a Facebook page, only a bit more technical

How to Avoid Social Media Death

Such a good article in the Financial Review magazine today! This article is for CEOs or Executives, fantastic reading. It includes 5 Rules for social media for Execs. Brilliant article, I think this is such a great read.
http://www.afr.com/p/boss/how_to_avoid_social_media_death_ZQZSUjnPKo59lBobf0VngK

Social media - how do you choose?

How does an organization choose the best social media for its employees? It could easily get out of hand if people overdo it. What do you think?


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