Personal Selling and Sales Management Essay Example

Personal Selling and Sales Management Essay Global Perspective INTERNATIONAL ASSIGNMENTS ARE GLAMOROUS, RIGHT? Some challenges associated with an international assignment include job security, readjustment upon return to the U. S. and adjustment to other cultures. Given these kinds of problems, is that international sales position being offered to we as attractive as it looks? Will it really help wer career? Particularly in relationship cultures such as China, relationship marketing, built on effective communications between the seller and buyer, focuses on building long-term alliances rather than treating each sale as a one-time event. Designing the Sales Force Based on analyses of current and potential customers, the selling environment, competition, and the firms resources and capabilities, decisions must be made regarding the numbers, characteristics, and assignments of sales personnel. Distribution strategies will often vary from country to country. Some markets may require a direct sales force, whereas others may not. How customers are approached can differ as well. Once decisions have been made about how many expatriates, local nationals, or third=country nationals a particular market requires, then more intricate aspects of design can be undertaken, such as territory allocation and customer call plans. Recruiting Marketing and Sales Personnel †¢Expatriates †¢Virtual Expatriates †¢Local Nationals †¢Third Country Nationals †¢Host Country Restrictions Expatriates The largest personnel requirement abroad for most companies is the sales force. The number of companies relying on expatriate personnel is declining as the volume of world trade increases and as more companies use locals to fill marketing positions. We will write a custom essay sample on Personal Selling and Sales Management specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Personal Selling and Sales Management specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Personal Selling and Sales Management specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer However, when products are highly technical, or when selling requires an extensive background of information and applications, an expatriate sales force remains the best choice. The chief disadvantages of an expatriate sales force are the high cost, cultural and legal barriers, and the limited number of high-caliber personnel willing to live abroad for extended periods. Virtual Expatriates The Internet and other advances in communications technologies, along with the growing reluctance of executives to move abroad, are creating a new breed of expatriate, the virtual one. Virtual expatriates manage operations in other countries but dont move there. Local Nationals The historical preference for expatriate managers and salespeople from the home country is giving way to a preference for local nationals. At the sales level, the picture is clearly biased in favor of the locals because they transcend both cultural and legal barriers. They are also familiar with distribution systems and referral networks. The main disadvantage of hiring local nationals is the tendency of headquarters personnel to ignore their advice. Another key disadvantage can be their lack of availability. In many countries, sales positions are viewed negatively. Third Country Nationals Third-country nationals (TCNs), are expatriates from their own countries working for a foreign company in a third country. Host Country Restrictions The host governments attitudes toward foreign workers often complicate selecting expatriate U. S. nationals over locals. Concerns about foreign corporate domination, local unemployment, and other issues cause some countries to restrict the number of non-nationals allowed to work within the ountry. Selecting Sales and Marketing Personnel To select personnel for international marketing positions effectively, management must define precisely what is expected of its people. Effective executives and salespeople, regardless of what foreign country they are operating in, share certain personal characteristics, skills, and orientations such as maturity, emotional stability, breadth of knowledge, positive o utlook, flexibility, cultural empathy, energetic, and enjoy travel. Selection mistakes are costly. When an expatriate assignment does not work out, hundreds of thousands of dollars are wasted in expenses and lost time. Mew evidence indicates that a managers culture affects personnel decisions. Training for International Marketing The nature of a training program depends largely on both the home culture of the sales person and the culture of the business system in the foreign market. Continual training may be more important in foreign markets than in domestic ones because of the lack of routine contact with the parent company and its marketing personnel. One aspect of training is frequently overlooked: Home-office personnel dealing with international marketing operations need training designed to make them responsive to the needs of the foreign operations. The Internet now makes some kinds of sales training much more efficient. Motivating Sales Personnel Motivation is especially complicated because the firm is dealing with different cultures, different sources, and different philosophies. Because cultural differences affect the motivational patterns of a sales force, a manager must be extremely sensitive to the personal behavior patterns of employees. Individual incentives that work effectively in the United States can fail completely in other cultures. Communications are also important in maintaining high levels of motivation; foreign managers need to know that the home office is interested in their operations. Because promotion and the opportunity to improve status are important motivators, a company needs to make clear the opportunities for growth within the firm. In one study, sales representatives in comparable Japanese and American sales organizations were asked to allocate 100 points across an array of potential rewards from work. As shown in Exhibit 17. 4, the results were surprisingly similar. The Sales People Were Asked to: ‘Distribute 100 Points among the Rewards in Terms of their Importance to You. ’ SOURCE: R. Bruce Money and John L. Graham, â€Å"Salesperson Performance,Pay, and Job Satisfaction: Tests of a Model Using Data Collected in the U. S. and Japan,† Journal of International Business Studies, 1999. Designing Compensation Systems For Expatriates Developing an equitable and functional compensation plan that combines balance, consistent motivation, and flexibility is extremely challenging in international operations. Fringe benefits play a major role in many countries. Pay can be a significant factor in making it difficult for a person to be repatriated. Often those returning home realize they have been making considerably more money with a lower cost of living in the overseas market; returning to the home country means a cut in pay and a cut in standard of living. In general, short-term assignments involve payments of overseas premiums (sometimes called separation allowances if the family does not go along), all excess expenses, and allowances for tax differentials. Besides rewarding an individuals contribution to the firm, a compensation program can be used effectively to recruit, develop, motivate, or retain personnel. For a Global Sales Force – The Do’s Compensation plans of American companies vary substantially around the globe, reflecting the economic and cultural differences in the diverse markets served. Some experts feel compensation plans in Japan and Southern Europe are most different from the standard U. S. approach. Those same experts believe that generally compensation schemes around the world are becoming more similar to the U. S. systems with its emphasis on commissions based on individual performance. Global Similarity to U. S. Compensations Plans SOURCE: David G. Schick and David J. Cichelli, â€Å"Developing Incentive Compensation Strategies in a Global Sales Environment,† ACA Journal, Autumn 1996. The Dos for designing compensation systems for a global sales force: †¢Do involve representatives from key countries. †¢Do allow local managers to decide the mix between base and incentive pay. †¢Do use consistent performance measures (results paid for) and emphasis on each measure. Do allow local countries flexibility in implementations. †¢Do use consistent communication and training themes worldwide. The Donts for designing compensation systems for a global sales force: †¢Dont design the plan centrally and dictate to local offices. †¢Dont create a similar framework for jobs with different responsibilities. †¢Dont require consistency on every performance measure with in the incentive plan. †¢Dont assume cultural differences can be managed through the incentive plan. †¢Dont proceed without the support of senior sales executives worldwide. A compensation Blueprint: How IBM Pays 140,000 Sales Executives Worldwide Beginning in the late 1990s IBM rolled out what is perhaps the most global approach to compensating a worldwide sales force. The main features of that plan, which applies to 140,000 sales executives in 165 countries, are presented in Exhibit 17. 6. SOURCE: Michele Marchetti and Antonio Langemi, â€Å"Gamble,† Sales and Marketing Management, July 1996, p. 65-69. Evaluating and Controlling Sales Representatives In the U. S. , emphasis is placed on individual performance, which can easily be measured by sales revenues generated. In many countries evaluation is more complex where teamwork is favored over individual effort. The primary control tool used by American sales managers is the incentive system. In other countries, corporate control and frequent interactions with peers and supervisors are the means of motivation and control. Preparing U. S. Personnel for Foreign Assignments Foreign assignments typically cost from 150-400 percent of the annual base salary. This cost increases if the expatriate returns home before completing the scheduled assignment. The planning process must begin prior to the selection of those going abroad and extend to their specific assignments after returning home. Overcoming Reluctance to Accept a Foreign Assignment Concerns for career and family are the most frequently mentioned reasons for a manager to refuse a foreign assignment. The most important career-related reservation is the fear that a two- or three-year absence will adversely affect opportunities for advancement. Concern for family may interfere with many accepting an assignment abroad. Initially, most potential candidates are worried about uprooting a family and settling into a strange environment. Questions about the education of the children, isolation from family and friends, proper health care, and, in some countries, the potential for violence reflect the misgivings a family faces when relocating to a foreign country. Reducing the Rate of Early Returns Once the employee and family accept the assignment abroad, the next problem is keeping them there for the assigned time. One researcher estimated that 75 percent of families sent to a foreign post experience adjustment problems with children or have marital discord. Before going abroad, cross-cultural training should be provided for families as well as the employee. Once the family is abroad, some companies even provide a local ombudsman (someone experienced in the country) to whom members can take their problems and get immediate assistance. Successful Expartiate Preparation Returnees should know where they are going and what they will be doing next month and several years ahead. A report on what MNCs are doing to improve the reentry process suggests five steps: 1. Commit to reassigning expatriates to meaningful positions. 2. Create a mentor program. Mentors are typically senior executives who monitor company activities, keep the expatriate informed on company activities, and act as liaison between the expatriate and various headquarters departments. 3. Offer a written job guarantee stating what the company is obligated to do for the expatriate on return. 4. Keep the expatriate in touch with headquarters through periodic briefings and headquarters visits. 5. Prepare the expatriate and family for repatriation once a return date is set. Developing Cultural Awareness Most expatriate failures are cause by lack of an understanding of cultural differences and their effect on management skills. Good cultural skills can be learned and developed. Cultural skills provide the individual with the ability to relate to a different culture even when the individual is unfamiliar with the details of that particular culture. The Changing Profile of the Global Manager Fewer companies today limit their search for senior-level executive talent to their home countries. Some companies believe that it is important to have international assignments early in a persons career, and international training is an integral part of their entry-level development programs. Many companies are active in making the foreign experience an integrated part of a successful corporate career. Foreign Language Skills Many believe that learning a language improves cultural understanding and business relationships. Many believe that to be taken seriously in the business community, the expatriate must be at least conversational in the host language. Many companies are making stronger efforts to recruit people who are bilingual or multilingual. Summary †¢The companys sales force is on the front line of a marketing organization. The role of marketers in both domestic and foreign markets along with the composition of international managerial and sales forces is rapidly changing. †¢The recent emphasis on using local personnel operating in their own lands has highlighted the importance of adapting U. S. managerial techniques to local needs. †¢The development of an effective marketing organization calls for careful recruiting, selecting, training, motivatin g, and compensating of expatriate personnel and their families. The most practical method of maintaining an efficient international sales and marketing force is careful, concerted planning at all stages of career development. An effective international sales force constitutes one of the international marketers greatest concerns. The companys sales force represents the major alternative method of organizing a company for foreign distribution and, as such, is on the front line of a marketing organization. The role of marketers in both domestic and foreign markets is rapidly changing, along with the composition of international managerial and sales forces. Such forces have many unique requirements that are being filled by expatriates, locals, third-country nationals, or a combination of the three. In recent years, the pattern of development has been to place more emphasis on local personnel operating in their own lands. This, in turn, has highlighted the importance of adapting U. S. managerial techniques to local needs. The development of an effective marketing organization calls for careful recruiting, selecting, training, motivating, and compensating of expatriate personnel and their families to ensure maximization of a companys return on its personnel expenditures. The most practical method of maintaining an efficient international sales and marketing force is careful, concerted planning at all stages of career development. Bibliography: International Marketing, Cateora P. R. , Graham J. L. , 12th ed, pp 500-525. Michele Marchetti and Antonio Langemi, â€Å"Gamble,† Sales and Marketing Management, July 1996, p. 65-69. David G. Schick and David J. Cichelli, â€Å"Developing Incentive Compensation Strategies in a Global Sales Environment,† ACA Journal, Autumn 1996.

Free Essays on The Mentally Challenged

When one looks at the world around, what is it that one notices? The way people walk? The way people act? What about those that don't walk, talk, or even look like most people? Everyone, regardless of who that person may be, needs to be reminded of the saying, "You can't judge a book by its cover." A lack of understanding is what leads to prejudice. The prejudices are not only against people with different skin tones, ages, or sexes, these prejudices also extend to judgments made against the physically and mentally challenged. Through my experience at the centre for the mentally challenged, I have learnt further about and understood these people. The Mentally Challenged express themselves in a pure clear way; they may rock their bodies to and fro, flick fingers in front of their face, make odd noises or have difficulty relating themselves to space, making one feel uneasy but it’s not like they can help it. One must understand that they have poor motor and speech development; t hey are only trying to express themselves, just like us. The mentally challenged require one step directions, all instructions and steps should be broken down as understanding and following more than one thing at a time is very difficult. Everyone is capable of learning; it’s just that some people learn slower. I remember trying to explain the simple game of â€Å"Memory† to the mentally challenged; they could not understand how the game was played. In the end, the cards had to be flipped over and the game was changed into a game of just matching, the mentally challenged had to be constantly shown how to play until only some got it. The mentally challenged require demonstration in concrete form, have a short attention span and short-term memory. Though they have poor memory recall, I noticed that they can carry on repetitive routine tasks without being reminded, such as going for lunch and packing up after playing. The passing of time, along with the education o... Free Essays on The Mentally Challenged Free Essays on The Mentally Challenged When one looks at the world around, what is it that one notices? The way people walk? The way people act? What about those that don't walk, talk, or even look like most people? Everyone, regardless of who that person may be, needs to be reminded of the saying, "You can't judge a book by its cover." A lack of understanding is what leads to prejudice. The prejudices are not only against people with different skin tones, ages, or sexes, these prejudices also extend to judgments made against the physically and mentally challenged. Through my experience at the centre for the mentally challenged, I have learnt further about and understood these people. The Mentally Challenged express themselves in a pure clear way; they may rock their bodies to and fro, flick fingers in front of their face, make odd noises or have difficulty relating themselves to space, making one feel uneasy but it’s not like they can help it. One must understand that they have poor motor and speech development; t hey are only trying to express themselves, just like us. The mentally challenged require one step directions, all instructions and steps should be broken down as understanding and following more than one thing at a time is very difficult. Everyone is capable of learning; it’s just that some people learn slower. I remember trying to explain the simple game of â€Å"Memory† to the mentally challenged; they could not understand how the game was played. In the end, the cards had to be flipped over and the game was changed into a game of just matching, the mentally challenged had to be constantly shown how to play until only some got it. The mentally challenged require demonstration in concrete form, have a short attention span and short-term memory. Though they have poor memory recall, I noticed that they can carry on repetitive routine tasks without being reminded, such as going for lunch and packing up after playing. The passing of time, along with the education o...

How to French Interrogative Pronouns Qui and Que

How to French Interrogative Pronouns Qui and Que French has three interrogative pronouns: qui  que, and lequel, which are used to ask questions. They all have differences in meaning and usage. Note that lequel  is a more complicated case and, as such, is addressed separately. Also, while qui and que are also  relative pronouns,  we are only discussing them here in their function as interrogative pronouns. How to Use Qui   Qui  means  who  or  whom; it is used when asking about people. When  who  is the  subject  of the question, you can use either  qui  or  qui est-ce qui. The word order cannot be inverted, and the verb is always third person singular. Qui veut le faire  ? / Qui est-ce qui veut le faire  ?   Who wants to do it?Qui parle  ? / Qui est-ce qui parle  ?   Who is speaking? When whom is the object of the question, qui can be followed by either est-ce que or inversion, as in: Qui est-ce que vous aimez  ? / Qui aimez-vous ?   Whom do you love?Qui est-ce que tu vois  ? / Qui vois-tu  ?   Whom do you see? Qui can also follow a preposition. qui est-ce que tu parles  ? / qui parles-tu  ?   To whom are you speaking?De qui est-ce que tu dà ©pends  ? / De qui dà ©pends-tu  ?   Upon whom do you depend? How to Use Que Que means what and is used to refer to ideas or things. When  what  is the subject of the question, you must use  quest-ce qui  followed by a verb in the third person singular, with no inversion. Quest-ce qui se passe  ?   Whats happening?Quest-ce qui est tombà © sur la terre  ?   What fell on the ground? When what is the object of the question, it can be followed by est-ce que or inversion. Quest-ce quil veut  ? / Que veut-il  ?   What does he want?Quest-ce que tu penses de mon idà ©e  ? / Que penses-tu de mon idà ©e  ?   What do you think of my idea?Quest-ce que cest (que cela)  ?   What is that? Que to Quoi After a preposition, que changes to quoi. De quoi est-ce que vous parlez  ? / De quoi parlez-vous ?   What are you talking about? quoi est-ce quil travaille  ? / quoi travaille-t-il  ?   Whats he working on? More Examples of the Interrogative  Qui and Que Qui donc ta frappà ©Ã‚  ?   Who hit you? Qui est-ce qui en veut  ?   Who wants some ? Qui cherchez-vous  ?   Who are you looking for? Cest qui  ?  Ã‚  Whose is it,  to whom does it belong? qui le tour  ?   Whose turn (is it) ? De qui parles-tu  ?   Who  (ou  whom) are you talking about? Qui est-ce que tu connais ici  ?   Who do you know around here? qui est-ce que je dois de largent  ?   Who do I owe money to ?,  to whom do I owe money?  (soutenu) Quy a-t-il  ?   Whats the matter ? Que devient-elle  ?   Whats become of her? Quest-ce que je vois / jentends  ? What is this I see / hear ? Quest-ce qui tarrive  ?   Whats the matter with you? Quest-ce que la libertà ©Ã‚  ?   What is freedom? Summary of French Interrogative Pronouns Subject of question Object of question After preposition People quiqui est-ce qui quiqui est-ce que qui Things quest-ce qui quequest-ce que quoi

Effect of E-Business on Marketing Strategies Case Study

Effect of E-Business on Marketing Strategies - Case Study Example Amazon.com becomes the first mover in the e-retailing market proposing a wide product range to diverse customer targets. E-business allows the company to connect customer service and good levels, increases customer satisfaction and decreases retention artistries. The main strategy is a virtual bookshop which helps the company to promote and sell its products to customers. Similar to traditional marketing, a virtual bookshop allows customers to review product details and analysis, read about the main characteristics and qualities. In contrast to traditional marketing, a customer sees only an image of the product. Following Archer et al (2002) "Various information systems can be used to process transactions, collect and analyze data. Technology-based tools have helped marketers perform their marketing strategies more efficiently and effectively in the traditional marketplace" (73). In contrast to traditional marketing, Amazon.com proposes a greater range of titles to choose from. Customers have twenty-four-hour access to book, table of contexts and reviews. They can order the book from any parts of the world and at comparatively low price. Also, e-business allows Amazon to establish a competitive price through lower transaction costs. Customer service therefore plays a pivotal role in e-business. Getting this role right, and to a standard of expertise that is superior to that of competitors and sustainable in the longer term, requires an in-depth understanding of the nature and nuance of customer service. Knowing customers means closing the loop between the messages sent to them and the messages they send back. The personalization of the service allows Amazon to create a core of brand supporters and increase its sales. Core information builds and provides access to the books catalogue (Turban et al 2004). The customer database also provides added-value informa tion. Core handling and processing maintains payment services between the company and its customers whether they be readers, publishers, resellers or authors. This function also covers shipping and delivery administration. From this configuration, the process of publishing and book selling became much more dynamic than the linear model that was the traditional industry model. The Internet has allowed each party in the process to interact with each other with more intensity (www.amazon.com). In contrast to traditional marketers, Amazon has wide possibilities to gather information about target groups and is able to make customer-specific recommendations, analyze their demands and needs. The customer database is used as a marketing tool in targeting existing customers and pursuing potential new ones. Amazon services (web-site and delivery service) are accessible for a large number of households and individuals. Delivering content gives more detailed information on an offer and goods; enabling transaction leads direct to a sale. Shaping attitudes can help build brand awareness, and solicit response. An advertisement may be intended to identify new leads or as a start for two-way communication (Archer et al 2002). In these cases an interactive advertisement may encourage a use to type in an e-mail address. In contrast to tra

Classical mythology Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Classical mythology - Essay Example However, when Greek myths [stories] are mentioned, most Christians and other contemporary religions shun them as mere fantasy, or fictional stories that never existed but were rather coined from human imagination. This and other disagreeing points exist when Greek mythology is being compared to other systems. However, the similarities are evident in some cases too. This paper will conduct a comparative research on Greek mythology and Christianity (as a non-Greek system), and in the comparison highlight significant emergent similarities and differences. Religion is the comparable element between Greek mythology and Christianity. Multiple differences and similarities are evident here. One similarity is that in Christianity and in the Greek system, there was a supreme being. In ancient Greek, there was Zeus, who was the god above all gods, and the Supreme Being that ruled over fate, order, law, the weather, and the sky. Although defined in terms of humanistic features such as being a sturdy man with a dark beard and one who depicted maturity, he held supernatural powers. He was attributed to the eagle, royal scepter, and a lightning bolt. Additionally, there were other gods under Zeus, such as the god of war, the god of fertility, and the god of love1. Similarly, the Christians have a Supreme Being, their God, who is the creator of mankind and rules over all creation. He is referred to as Yahweh, Jehovah, or simply â€Å"God†. The Christian God is referred to as â€Å"He† and is also attributed human features such as the famous Christian principle that says humans were made in God’s image2. Unlike Zeus, however, he has no specific attributes such as a beard, since He is spiritual and not visible to human eyes. Christians do not have lesser gods like the Greek in that Yahweh is the one and only God recognized by the religion. However, there is the definition

The impetus that has kept me on the art track Essay Example for Free

The impetus that has kept me on the art track Essay Some people think that art taught in schools (middle and high school) is sufficient to keep one in this creative world. While one cannot deny the overall importance of learning art in school, there is a bigger aspect to all this that can never be passed from the class teacher to the art student; this aspect comes from the artist himself/ herself. My impetus I have an artistic personality as art is my way of expressing myself; this is why I spent almost all my time drawing. When someone annoys me, then I will vent out this anger through art, when someone makes me happy, art is my only way of showing that feeling, when am sad, art is my only solace. The beauty about art is that it is platform for expressing myself. It allows me to be blatantly honest with myself as am not struggling with pretentiousness; this is who I truly am. Because my art work creates positive responses in others, then I have built a sense of confidence about my work. It makes me feel secure because I know that there is something I am good at. Given the above sentiments, then my definition of art would have to deviate from the norm. I do not consider art as just another major, neither do I think that art is something that was merely handed down to us from history; I believe that art is jut part of who I am. It took a long time for me to admit this; but I finally got the revelation while staying at my country. I realized that everything I did revolved around art and I learned to enjoy what I was good at. My passion for art began when I was fifteen. At that time, I attended an exhibition known as the 2003 Women’s International exhibit Jeddah. My role during that exhibition was not a passive one as I was part of the company’s marketing department. For a period of on month, I created the company’s website. I was also able to design commercials for them. This was the point in my life where I realized what I could become through art. I was lucky to work with a supportive team from the company; they encouraged me and taught me how to improve my work. Additionally, my mother and my cousins saw what I had done for the company and they were astounded by it. They couldn’t believe that I was responsible for what they saw. Nothing can compare to the look on their faces; they were so proud of me. Right there and then, I knew that this was what I was meant to do. Thereafter, I began exploring the wonderful world of art. To me, art is a universal language that can be understood by people all over the world. This is a concept that I understood in high school. At that time, I was part of a club that specialized in art forms from different cultures. Not only were we looking at the conventional aspects of art, but we also learnt about the Japanese language, their food and other cultural aspects. Through this club, I got an insight into the Japanese way of life consequently, learning their language. The epitome of this inter-cultural experience occurred during a school bazaar held at the end of the year. We were expected to inform the public about our club through a small stand. My task was to create flyers and commercials. I was also supposed to establish a mission for the team and the overall color theme for the event. These activities shaped my leadership skills and led to a self discovery on what I was truly capable of doing. The most touching and important thing about this particular occasion was that I learnt about other people’s cultures. The Japanese way of life was completely unfamiliar to me, but through art, I understood them. Art was my window into the life and times of the Japanese. From that moment on, I began appreciating other people’s uniqueness. Art is a unifying force; I can speak to others and they can speak to me even without saying a word. To me, no other forte can achieve such an effect. If the world would embrace art a little more, then we would all live together in harmony. My stay in the United States has been equally enriching. This year, I attended a training competition know as Boston Phoenix. The major theme of the event was Japanese animation. Through this event, I met art enthusiasts like myself. We were able to exchange ideas in at equal levels and I was amazed at their work. These young people used simple tools around them to create brilliant art pieces. I also began collecting and designing my own supplies. It was so fantastic to know that there are youth out there who are as inspired by art as I am. Conclusion  The latter experiences have helped to shape who I have become toady. Being artistic is just part of my personality. Through art, I can be a leader, I can be creative and I can express my innermost sentiments. Art has given me an insight into other cultures thus making me respect and comprehend other their way of life. I have therefore become a versatile and multi-cultured individual. Because of these reasons, I felt that I should make art part of my professional life. This was why I joined the university and I believe that through my college education, I can become a better artist than before.

Essay --

Connor Peterson Miss. Cota Survival October 19th, 2013 The Tools of a True Survivor Jeannette Walls had a horrific childhood that truly brought out the survivor in her. Jeannette had troubles with her family, friends and siblings but she was not hindered by the difficult situations and the choices that she had to make. In order to survive she to had be resourceful and use what she had to her advantage and also learn to adapt to any situation. Through it all she had the drive and purpose of a true survivor. Her survival tools of Ingenuity, Adaptability and Purpose helped her to grow into the person she is today. Ingenuity is one of the survival skills that Jeannette possessed throughout her childhood. She continued to find new ways to accommodate herself in different situations. One such example is when she made herself braces because her parents could not afford them. Since she did not have the money to get them, Jeannette invented a clever way to make homemade ones. These braces (worn only at night so no one would know) were made from rubber bands and a coat hanger. In the survivor tool kit it describes ingenuity with, â€Å"you find novel uses and applications for everyday objects†(324). Jeannette’s braces clearly exemplify this quote. Ingenuity is also described as, â€Å"Bricolage: the art of building things from whatever materials are available.†(324). Jeannette used everyday objects such as rubber bands and a coat hanger to make a complicated set of braces. Besides from making braces, she also made her own catapult. Bullies would throw rocks at Jeannette and her brother on their walk home from school and then ride away on their bikes. Having limited resources, Jeannette used an abandoned mattress and some springs she found as ... ...n high school and she was striving for big goals, working hard to achieve them, and overcoming countless obstacles. Even when her father stole that piggy bank money she did not give up. Her purpose in life helped transfer her into adulthood. Without this determination and sacrifice, seceding into a successful adult would have been much more challenging. Each survivor has a set of tools at their disposal that can be used throughout their lifetime. Jeannette was able to overcome staggering odds to with her ability to use almost anything to her advantage and by being able to bend to the situation around her and constantly change. And finally, by having a drive in life that is simply incomprehensible, a drive and purpose so deep we cannot even begin to fathom its depth. Jeannette used these techniques to conquer her life and overcome every obstacle that stood in her way.