Pursuing careers architecture vs engineering



At the A & D Museum



I recently received the visit of a good friend of mine Jisun who is an architecture student in San Diego. We both went to visit many places and discovering some amazing places in Los Angeles that I was not even aware they exist.

Like the first time we met last year, she made me appreciate the beauty of a good building design in the inside and out. Video architectural tour.



The multi layer design of the future



We started our tour in the Miracle Mile district in Los Angeles, first stop the Architectural and Design Museum of Los Angeles, this is a place that I’ve always seen when driving by but never visited. So this time we headed to this place and I was  very much nicely surprised to see all the good designs from students from all over Southern California, so much talent around us. Funny fact is that I know more Architects and Designers outside California than inside.

Drinks in West Hollywood

Dinner in Marina del Rey

Anyway, since I have completed my Civil Engineering training almost 20 years ago (yes, many of you have not even born yet…. as architects) so I can read blue prints, building plans, elevations, cuts, layers, etc. This is when I created OREM Engineering & Architecure design for my early engineering individual jobs. http://www.oremead.com/

Caltrans

My friend Jisun helped me differentiate the good design from a bad one, or in other words the simple single layer ones from the intricate multi level great designs. This was a great lesson to learn. I remember back in the day (when still at the school) when my many architect student buddies came to me for help with the structural design for their buildings, I was so pleased and happy to be part of something that will last for  their buildings. This place reminded me of that.

Caltrans main entrance

LAPD head quarters

The same day we went to the Marina to have the dinner for Robert’s birthday, the restaurant is right next to the Pacific Ocean and the set up is just amazing. Later the same eve we went for some drinks in West Hollywood, at this place we noticed there are many places that have a bed as part of the decoration. I remember another bar in Hollywood a few months ago with a bed setting around the main room where people can just lay down while having drinks and appetizers.

Cathedral altar




LA Cathedral

 

Cool design next to cathedral

My friend told me we will do an architectural tour in downtown Los Angeles as part of her training. That reminded me back in the day when I was in Engineering school, I used to have these field trips to concrete plants, steel factories, construction sites, etc. but the main purpose of our student field trips was to familiarize us with the construction process and everything that goes along it, we had to wear hard hats, boots, etc, we went the whole enchilada with it… it was fun!

 




We were just so interested in comparing and analyzing the differences among Architecture and Engineering learning processes, it was just fascinating, while architecture focus on the design and visual aspect of the educational process, Engineering focuses in the dynamic of the construction process itself and the final result of it, and it has to be construction in motion because if the building is done then students cannot really learn it. We discussed all this while we walked to the Caltrans building, and while we contemplated its intricate design, she made me aware of the design details that normally would go unnoticed by the untrained eye. While she was more interested in the shape and open spaces my brain went on to the structural aspect the concrete walls, beams, pillars, and the massive steel structures that supported all the fancy metal skin and how they were attached to the building.





Architec & Engineering students 1991
Me at center and architect friends



Very first engineering design 1991



The metal skin made sense to me because it created a shade that diffuses the heat. I recall many times working for different accounting departments where these offices just had huge windows facing the sun and while one side of the office is burning under the sun, the other side of the same office is freezing with the air conditioning constant blasting.





Very first paid structural design 1992



While walking to the Los Angeles Cathedral, we passed by the Los Angeles City Hall, where I usually file the applications for all of my clients business licenses.

After a few minutes of walk under the California weather we arrived to the Our Lady of Los Angeles Cathedral, I’ve never been here before either. I always heard about the uniqueness of this place and every time since it was built a few years ago I always wanted to visit it but never had the time or the opportunity. This is an amazing place, the inside is huge, huge open spaces, huge windows.



Venice canals



There was a wedding when we arrived and after a few pictures we went to the catacombs (the cemetery beneath the church) we could feel the energy flouting around and my friend was a bit jumpy at times since we were alone down here. I’m Peruvian so no worries in this department, we Peruvians believe that a horde of family spirits follows us around to help and protect us, and if you mess with us, oh boy, you’ll see the consequences, maybe that’s why some friends of mine think I’m a lucky guy.



Walking the Venice canals



Then we walked to the gardens outside, this moment made me realize this church was built right next to the Hollywood freeway (101) in downtown Los Angeles that usually is so crowded and loud. The windows and the design simply kept all the noise outside and from my point of view that is a major achievement. While contemplating the freeway we spot some inscriptions in the concrete wall of the traffic divider, they were these bell, church, palm trees designs that remind us the site we were just visiting. And to the other side of the church it was this structure that until this moment I can’t figure out what it is, my friend told me it is a school disguised as something that reminds me of a massive android working.





Picnic in Griffith park



Walking in Venice beach



And before the nice weather was completely gone for the day we decided to visit “the Venice canals” in Venice beach that is just 3 miles west from where I live. Another friend of mine told me a few years ago these canals were build to mimic the Italian city of Venice, they were build some decades ago but later they were neglected and people were just leaving this area due to the bad condition of the place, but later some people decided to take action and started on to cleaning the canals, taking care of the houses around the canals and little by little the value started going back up and the businesses came back to the area, nowadays this is a such a nice place to visit, with lots and lots of nice landscaping, beautiful houses all over the place, some old designs, some super modern but all share the same Venice canals uniqueness.



Ennis Brown house in Hollywood



Then we headed to the beach for a walk along one of the most famous wonderful California beaches, we walked a few miles to the Venice pier and enjoyed the crowd from all over the world walking around this place. This day was far from over because then we went to have a taste of Cuban food in Venice.



Ennis house entrance



After renewing some energy at home we headed to the Griffith observatory. This place was packed with people as usual, we parked a couple of miles down the hill because the main parking lot was full, but the experience was just amazing, walking with all these people that we never met before and enjoying the view of the city of Angels at night from the Hollywood hills is not something that you can enjoy every day unless you live in this place. This city is so big that your eye just sees never ending street lights going in all directions. This place and its energy captivated so much our interest that we decided to come back the next day for a picnic, so we prepared by going to Santa Monica and enjoy the Promenade.



Ennis house



Santa Monica is just 3 miles north from where I live, so “The Promenade” is a great option because it is so nice at night, you can see all the stores and artist from all over the world performing in the open space here. Sometimes I come here to go to the movies with friends and it always catches my interest with the new displays, the new artists, the book store at the end of it, I can just spend hours and hours just at this place, and just half block of here there is another bookstore that specializes in architecture and design, so this is heaven. So much intense excitement.



Santa Monica Promenade



I am so happy to meet some of my tax accounting clients at all these places in southern California, is nice to see they are having their share of fun too. OREM Southern California

The next day, the 3 of us headed to Griffith Park to enjoy our picnic, and it is as magical and nice during the day time as it is at night. While we relax for a few moments after our lunch my friend Jisun entertained us by playing the Ukulele while Robert singed something that didn’t have anything to do with the song she was playing, that alone made us all laugh a lot.

While inside we enjoyed this place. They have the planetarium show that last for about 40 minutes and it is so interesting to see, if you ever come to visit Los Angeles you cannot miss this place.



Old town Culver City night walk



Or educational tour was not over yet. At night we headed to old town Culver City which is just 1 mile east from where I live. I heard over the years that there are so many haunted houses in Culver City, and here we found the historic “Culver Hotel” back in the time when they filmed the wizard of oz the majority of the crew and actors stayed at this hotel, you can see the memorabilia at the main entrance of the hotel. We arrived late at night and we walked in to the second floor that was completely dark and before we were stopped (that area was closed at that time) it was nice and well kept area the antique furniture gives it a unique atmosphere, so cool, but both of my friends felt jumpy at this dark place, so we walked to another area.

For the last day of our tour we went to visit the Ennis-Brown House at the Hollywood hills, I have an architect friend who worked at this historical renovation a few years ago, from the outside seems like a work in progress still, some of the walls look so deteriorated and the concrete blocks were just disintegrating at times with the soil coming throughout, there are pieces of history all over the street, so I couldn’t helped but grabbed a few pieces from the ground as souvenirs.





Edison bar





We did a lot this day and after having Peruvian food, we headed to a farewell party for my friend in downtown Los Angeles roof top bar, the view was breath taking, you can see the skyscrapers around this place, it was windy and cold. Usually I don’t like going to downtown Los Angeles because I personally found it so inconvenient, parking is hard to find, and is usually is expensive too but this place was well worth the effort.

Then we headed to our final destination for the night, the Edison bar just a few yards away from the Caltrans building that visited a week ago. We were told by other of the crew members that this place used to be a carbon generated power plant back in the early 1900’s we toured this place and for our amusement it was decorated with furniture and the remaining artifact that they had when this place was still working.



I was just infatuated with the historic light bulb chandeliers and lamps all over this place, there were projections of early black and white movies in huge screens, the furniture was just delicious, leather seats and couched everywhere, the main power generator was turned into a private vip party room, etc, this is a place that you definitely need to go and experience by yourself and is the place to see. And the drinks are amazing too.



Historical light bulb chadelier



This reminds me that I will be in northern California in a few weks and yes I will blog about it, wait for the next article it'll be fun as the other ones too, feel free to email us. OREM Northern California website

And before she left, for last my friend Jisun was so nice to help us redecorate my place and make my living room bigger and more functional that before, I’m surprised how much you can change a place with just little money. I ended up having a natural private inside garden too (my friend is into natural organic stuff) while me (Engineering mind) are in to more “toxic” stuff.

Vacation in Las Vegas

On my prior trip to Las Vegas a couple of weeks ago, I really did not have the chance or the time to walk really around and enjoy the city and its places, so when all my  friends asked me to go again for my coming birthday it did not take much to persuade me.

At the Palms bar After four hrs of driving from Los Angeles, we arrived at this Hotel Rio that has a pretty view of the city and an enjoyable pool. So after checking in we headed to the pool. The weather was at 97 D, just perfect! Once we were at the pool, I received a few phone calls and quickly took care of business, and by the time I layed down on my chair then I witnessed my first “Las Vegas moment”… a young woman lost her top off while going into the pool for a swim.

 My good Friend Lira Luis spoke about the concept of defining space with light which she presented two weeks ago at the Las Vegas convention Center, Click here see the interview.

NAGVA red carpet at Tropicana

I remember walking the whole strip in my first trip to Las Vegas a gazillion years ago, there are new buildings and hotels now, it still has the crowds walking up and down the strip. I had the same feeling as when walking in Hollywood boulevard in any given day

After relaxing for a little bit in the pool, we headed to our first stop, this trendy bar at the Palm that is managed by a star contest show “Sandro”. We had a few drinks and appetizers for my birthday that will be the next day. This place was amazing, the view could not be better, it is located right next to the pool; they have chairs “in the pool” so you can enjoy this place fully from the pool and still have your drinks and appetizers while dipping in the water.

Drinking and walking in the strip still legal

Next stop was the Tropicana Hotel, I remember while growing up and watching this P.I. show about a detective in Las Vegas. But the main reason to visit this hotel was because all my friends from the Volleyball league from all over North America, Las Vegas held the “Nationals” the national Championship cup, and I could not miss this pool party of NAGVA. Pretty much I’ve seen all the people I had played in the past and the present from all over the place, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Denver, etc, some even from Canada as well. I was surprised to see players (friends) that I have not seen in years all reunited here in Las Vegas. Moving on my friends decided to walk around the casinos, I am not in to gambling so I just stayed at the pool until this even died.

Aria front view in day light

The next day, my BD, we went for a walk to the hotel that is located at the end of the strip, the MGM, so a long walk would be required. My friend mentioned the Lions that run wild inside a glass cage, it sounded appealing to me, so we walked. This day was warm but it was really windy too, we were lucky to be walking on the shade side.

One of my friends complaint at times “I’m too hot, I’m too cold, I’m thirsty, it’s windy, my feet hurt… etc“

So when we reached the hotel I was disappointed to hear the lions were gone! But to hear they went to a ranch where they all run wild and free made me happy, they moved on!

New York New York in sunset

I was a bit concerned about how pricey this city can be, just like Los Angeles at times. I do not drink so food was more of a concern for me. 

While walking in one of those malls, somebody called me and asked me if I would like to get to taste samples for free and get paid for it, but how? Well this sounded more interesting to me than gambling or drinking, so I and my friends signed up for that, $50.00 for just barely one hr, not bad. Well this alone paid for the Hotel room.

Metal skin turned in to lighted glass

One of my friends bought me (for my BD) a can of something that tasted like a Margarita, it was good. So we put to the test if drinking in public was still legal in Las Vegas, and you know what? IT WAS! The clerk at that store basically told us that Las Vegas strip is the only place where you can do this, and you have to be a tourist too, so no locals allowed, and nowhere else but the strip.

The police walked by us while carrying our zippies and they just smiled at us, I do not want to even think what the LAPD would have done!

Then we realized we have ahead another long walk back to the hotel, we decided to take the bus, and while waiting for the bus to arrive we found out the fare for a mere few blocks will be $5.00!! FIVE WHOLE US DOLLARS! So even my friend who kept repeating that he was cold, then hot, that is was too windy and that his feet hurt agreed that paying that would be too much and he decided to saved… to keep gambling it!

Lighted metal skin at the Aria

This time we decided to walk on the other side of the street, so I saw this gigantic bottle in from of this mall, it catch my attention for some reason, I noticed that whoever built this structure carefully thought on the seismic factors by designing the structures big enough to support the external forces of the wind, the heat and the earthquakes too. Each piece of glass was carefully attached to the metal structure giving the impression that it is a continuous place of glass.

Like I said in my prior Blog, this city had been designed to be enjoyed in the night, and while the sun sets in the Nevada desert and the lighting systems came to life we all can see how this buildings turned in to a different look in the night. I would like to come back later in the night and see all this again.

Aria south entrance at night

Metal and steel are what I see everywhere. Now I can see in more detail the new city center at the Aria. This building resembles in my mind a similarity to the Disney Concert Hall, but this building has definitely different features, This building has the metal skin and some other materials, I would describe as glass covered by aluminum in other areas, but I cannot figured the motive for that yet.

Suddenly I looked around slowly I’ve just noticed the people are from all over the world, predominantly from all over the country, but still quite diverse crowd, I can recognized some languages I never heard in my whole life, big and small groups they all walk around frenetically taking pictures and going in and out these buildings. By this day I had several Las Vegas moments.

Planet Hollywood skin turned in to life

While coming down one escalator, one tall gorgeous blond girl with a revealing outfit at the bottom of it keep on looking at me strait to my eyes while smiling, when I acknowledged her she wink at me. When we met at the bottom of the escalators she asks me, ”Hey, do you want to have a good time?”, “I’m already having a good time”

We finely reached the hotel to rest for a little bit and check emails in the cell phone since nobody was in the mood to pay $14.99 for 24 hrs of internet connection (I was told it is almost the same at every hotel), this was difficult for me since I have a “dumb” phone, I do not own a smart one. 

At Planet Hollywood

The night was still young and I wanted to do something different for this BD, so I and Robert went to have a dinner and then heading to the Treasure Island where my sister who also lives in Los Angeles was staying in Las Vegas to celebrate also her birthday. I think we stayed until midnight in the restaurant, then while walking to the Hotel we got lost and we ended at the Vegas Center again, but this was a good event, since I had the chance to see and shoot my night pictures of this place, and also to see it from the inside

Bar inside the Aria

This time I was able to see the outside of the Aria metal structure, it makes more sense at night with it metal skin lighted from the inside out, it had these light formations that moved up and down and sideways, some of the metal seemed to had turned out in to glass and light was coming from the inside, it had different shades of metal and lighting.

I had countless people asking for pictures of the 3 story floor chandelier bar which I was able to see again from a better angle. 

Three floor Chandelier bar at the Aria

There was this amazing party going on everywhere with performers; it was just amazing, quite different from last time I was here.

Then we were at the right time at the right place, and I soot my picture.

Then we were on the right track to Treasure Island, and finely after several minutes of search then we met my sister and her friends for a few hours at the casino of this hotel, we spent some time here until we decided it was time to leave the youngsters alone and go back to the hotel.

Me, my sister and Robert at T.I.

The next and final day I was just ready to go back to Los Angeles, but my friends decided to go to the Palms hotel again, I got to admit it was nicer since last time (two weeks ago) maybe because we spent time walking around and taking the time to really enjoy the premises. We almost go to another pool party here, but the lines were too long to get in (thanks god).

Best buffet ever at the Palms

Then we headed to the buffet here, I got to admit that the deal of $8.00 for all you can eat was the best I’ve ever seen in this City and the Buffet was amazing, the seafood was just endless and for just $8.00 more you could have all the drinks you want (wine), I was so happy with the sea food. I noticed the design of this place was so well done that I couldn’t resist taking a few pictures of this place.

Carnival at the Rio

I was so tired that I was ready to leave (I don’t like to drive in the eve or in the night) but somebody mentioned we should go to the pool for a final swim before heading the road.  After spending a few hours in the pool then we went inside for the free parade show, my friend mentioned it is just like the Mardy grass but suspended in the air. Definitely this sounded like something I would like to witness, we waited for a few minutes then the show started, there were these gondolas suspended from the roof with dancers inside that give away beets to the people. I collected a few of those; my friend did so too, this was fun and I’m glad I stayed a little bit more to see this show.

Then we were ready to leave when somebody mentioned the Voo-Doo bar is at the top floor of this hotel and we could go to see it before leaving the city.

We went to this bar, but we were told this bar was closed but we could just walk throughout the restaurant in there to the outside and spend some time if we wanted to, so we did.

Voo-Doo Bar at the Rio top floor

While walking throughout this restaurant I could see this happened to be is a nice restaurant and people is dressed nice for the occasion, and we were just walking in sandals, shorts and t shirts.

Once in the outside the view was just breath taking so it was worth the problem.

When finely waiting for the elevator to take us down and while commenting the view and joking around, one of my friends noticed the plastic bag (where I was carrying all of our dry clothes, and the only one we could find in the car) had a sign that read “Food for Less” that I carried to all over the place without even noticing it.

Meeting Lira Luis in Las Vegas

I haven’t been in Las Vegas – Nevada for the past 4 years, and I wanted to see the new places and buildings in sin city. Another big reason to visit Las Vegas was to meet Lira Luis, a celebrity architect speaker that I admire and I had followed for years with the use of social media.

We (Me, Robert, and Christopher) planned this trip for a few weeks, so we headed to Las Vegas for some distraction, excitement and fun.

In Day one, we arrived in the early afternoon and checked in at the hotel. This hotel has a theme for movies and entertainment in each room. There were no lines and the crew was so nice and helpful at all times. Almost immediately we headed to a restaurant in the famous strip. The desert heat was present at 94 degrees around 7 pm.

Las Vegas strip

After a fun dinner we decided to go across the street to see the new Las Vegas center. It was unbelievable to see how the designers came up with an idea to build a three story floor chandelier bar, the crystals hang from the roof (of the third floor roof) all the way to the first floor, literally; all of this inside a building.

Having a degree in Civil Engineering (for almost 20 years), it amazes me how these designers and builders came up with this concept. I recall in my early Engineering years (yes, many of you weren’t even born yet) how difficult it was to build these funky designed buildings that my early employers want me to build. I remember back in my early 20’s, just fresh out of engineering school, and having been a resident engineer at this apartment complex construction site, how challenging it was to build the entrance for the complex that had a particular design. I was just wondering about all the challenges (it took) to build these amazing structures. I give all my respect to whoever built this structure.

Let’s keep in mind that Las Vegas, a city that was designed to be enjoyed at night, and having said that, its structures and buildings were intended to be enjoyed in the dark, a good lighting system must be in place. So attending the Lightfair International 2012 that was held at the Las Vegas Convention Center would be a great idea.

There is a restaurant bar inside

After a long walk inside this new center I was ready to continue with the fun “Las Vegas style” across the street, so we headed to another place. And after visiting 3 more places and just having a few more hours before my work on the second day started, we headed to the hotel.

Day two: I was worried of not having enough sleep before my working day, but I was energized and ready at 8 am, so I got ready and headed to the Lightfair International 2012 conference.

I was nervous and excited at the same time, not every day do you have the chance to be invited as a Blogger press to cover an important event, but also this was the first time that I will meet Lira Luis and to attend one of her speaking events.

Lira Luis and Enrique Otarola

I’ve been working in the blogging world, networking, and interacting with people using the social media tools for a few years now. Trust me when I say it’s not easy. You have deadlines. You have people to see, places to go, and business to do. In a way you are in people’s radar all the time, so you have to develop a thick skin some times because not everybody likes what you do (or your opinions). You get lovers and haters too.

So meeting Lira Luis was a big deal for me because she is doing the same thing (as me) and much more but in a mega level. Lira travels all over the country. She has architectural licenses in Arizona, Wisconsin, and Asia. She speaks at different events throughout the year all over the globe.

Lira Luis website -  http://www.liraluis.com

I arrived at the Lightfair event in the morning and picked up my press credentials and immediately headed to the auditorium to cover Lira’s presentation. Me and my 30 pound press equipment went straight to N116 where Lira will be.

When I entered the room, the moment was magical for me; I’ve seen the room full of people, all of them ready for Lira’s presentation. I looked for the best place to see the presentation and I quickly found it. I unloaded all of my press “cargo” (professional camera, video camera, tripod, PC laptop, digital recording, etc.) and then, I was ready. In moments like these, I wondered “Where is my assistant? He is sleeping off the party time from last night.”

Then, there she was, we had a good distance between each other but she managed to recognize me among all of the attendees and then she waved her hand hello to me.

Lira Luis at LFI in Las Vegas

Lira spoke about the concept of “opportunities to define space with light”, which I found so interesting. All the buildings and structures become pleasant to the human eye when they are in display to be enjoyed.

Watch Lira Luis presentation in Las Vegas 2012

Having an engineering chip deep in my brain, at the beginning I couldn’t quite understand it, so having all of these wonderful pictures in a presentation called Prezi, were so helpful, even to an engineer.

Lira showed pictures of spaces that were enhanced by the natural light at different times of the day, for instance, Lira showed a picture of a shelter (living space) that she lived in while attending her architecture school.

It was amazing for me that Lira was just talking about the same concept that I had in mind just hours ago about a city, places to be admired at night. Although this concept was more organic, the principle was the same.

In a more specific part of the presentation, Lira presented “pockets of opportunities to define space with light”. I liked the picture of a brick wall that was brought to life with the simple fact of having a light entrance in the right place (for the different hours) bringing different effects throughout the day.

Lira Luis presentation

After the hour and a half of presentation, I learned something else about architecture. How important it is to keep the original design of a building. Sometimes the design suffers due to the changes in budget and time of the construction process.

After the presentation was over, I went to the press room to immediately start working on this new material, and while waiting for Lira I had the chance to meet Brandon Smith a designer based in San Diego and a power blogger. We enjoyed a fun chat while having a bite. You can read more about Brandon Smith at http://dcoopsd.wordpress.com/

Enrique and Brandon

I’ve also had the chance to meet another press colleague Merwin Videña, who was covering this Lightfair international event from San Diego.

Then, after Lira was finally free (she is a busy professional) I kidnapped Lira in our media booth at the Press room, where we talked more in detail about her presentation and I also had the chance to shoot a short interview for everybody to enjoy.

After having the opportunity to meet Lira and learning first hand about her amazing work, I can’t just get enough of this amazing woman, so we planned to have dinner at the hotel, later the same day.

Click here to watch Lira Luis interview in Las Vegas 2012 




Click here to watch full video interview

 

The event was full of people from all over the world, interesting vendors and imaginative creations too. You can see more about this event at – http://www.lightfair.com/

***

I want to thank Lisa Kay Bokovoy -Manager of LFI Marketing, Lira Luis – Principal of Atelier Lira Luis LLC, and everybody who made this article possible.

2012 tax season is over, and I’m glad, and I’m still recovering from it...

Oh yes! 2012 tax season is over, and I’m glad, and I’m still recovering from it.

This last tax season was huge for our OREM organization, we had grown a lot this year from having clients spread all over Los Angeles and been just 3 tax accountants,… we went to have 15 tax accountants in Los Angeles, 8 tax accountants in northern California, 4 in the Phoenix area, 2 in Las Vegas, 1 in Texas, 1 New Mexico, etc.

We also had grown our client base over 110 (more than doubled from last year), and I won’t mention the revenue grown because it won’t be polite with our readers, especially with this economy.

I’m glad to mention that up to this day our variety of services had grown to multiple areas in 4 different categories.

We have big announcements in the next few months that will shock our readers, stay tuned.

We are still working on the last adjustments for the past tax season, while we prepare for the new challenges for 2013.

This year 2012 I came across some really talented individuals that just thrive at what they do, and what surprises me the most is the fact that these are people that just started on this business, and yes, and I’m also proud to be the one who trained them and they succeed.

And no, nobody got the new direction from us...

I would like to share the success histories of some of the tax accountants in the next issue, what they think, how they see it and how they tackle life.

By any means I think this is it, we still have plenty of room for grown everywhere, and who never knows in 3 or 5 year I can say we are over 200 or 300 individuals working at this organization with thousands and thousands of clients in every single state.

All of this happened by just having an idea a few years ago, and by trying.

I would say that never under estimate the concept of copy and make it better than your competitors, it works wonders.

I would like to thank to every single individual of our organization that made all of this possible today, I’m so proud of everybody, and I’m so glad we reached our goals for 2012.

Not everybody was able to meet their quote for 2012, but it is not something that has to make us feel down or sad, in the other hand it is something that has to make us improve our weak points, to improve what we did not do, or to just improve in our methods and systems.

And for the ones that just excelled this year congratulations, I have some bright new comers that in their first year reached 4, 8, 10 clients this 2012.

Some had told me that this is not enough, that they could have done better. To all of you let me tell you that back in the time, when I past my state test and obtained my California license, I got 2 clients, and they were not paid clients, so embrace this clients that are paying clients, and who knows some day after a few years you can also count over 100 clients.

Thank you all for you time and effort put in to building our organization.

When it is time to fly solo?...

           On our last issue we talked about hiring the right individuals for the organization. I have gotten some emails asking for my opinion about the right time to leave the organization and start your own practice, so this is my opinion.

          Think about how to start, and about how to end. Do I make any sense? Picture yourself as a young professional or at an early time in your practice. It makes sense if you get off school and immediately start to looking for an internship, a job in your practice, right? Then with some years of experience, and once you have mastered your practice, then you decide to work on a promotion, maybe look forward in to better and bigger challenges and opportunities, maybe a bigger pay check? Whatever is the case. That is usually the case for some individuals. And finely once you have accumulated a decent amount of experience then you decide to open your own company.

          Sounds easy and straightforward but is not the only way to become as your own boss. You have the multiple options to reach  those  points of your life. Maybe time to start a New Direction in your life...

   
          Depending on the type of practice you have, your success or failure depends only on your attitude. I would say never put all your eggs in the same basket, and I tell you why in a minute.

The success or failure of a business depends on multiple factors, not only in the income producing factor, but also in what you do “your attitude factor”.

Top of Form

Bottom of Form

If you had mastered your practice, it doesn’t mean automatically you will success in your business, you could be a great painter but if you do not have the basic selling skills then your paintings will not sale, and your business will not have a steady income to support itself.

          For some it’ll make perfect sense to start a venture when unemployed, with time in their hands and while collecting unemployment. For some it'll be a great way to deal with unemployment.

          The approach I would have to suggest is the “multiple diffused risk” and this is just a definition that just came in to my mind. What are you talking about Enrique? Let’s say you are the greatest shoe design maker in the world, and you just had just quit your job at a major shoe designing company, and you have much cash to start your own shoe design company. Let me tell you by just jumping in to it would be a huge risk to take, especially if you do not have the everything else in place yet. All your eggs would be in the same place, keep in mind that lot of things can and may go wrong.

          For years I obsessed with Murphy’s Law “what could go wrong, will go wrong”, in my case had helped me a lot with minimizing my risks in life.

          Also my former training as a Civil Engineer had helped a lot. Especially when designing something to resist earthquakes, if your area usually gets hit by six degree earthquakes, then design for eight degree earthquakes, be prepared. 

Getting back to our discussion, do not you think it’ll be easier to “test the waters” first? If you design your first shoe and put it for sale on a website? Let’s say your first shoe design sold. It doesn’t mean you are 2nd, 3rd designs and so ford would sell as well.

          It’ll make more sense to diffuse your risk by attempting multiple mini sales, spread your risk. Some would start small designs on their own while still fully employed.

          If you do not feel comfortable assuming all the risk, then you might consider getting a BP “business partner “who can assume part of the risk. Sometimes a business partner is a great idea, especially when you lack of the expertise in some areas such: knowledge, marketing, sales, accounting, business in general, etc.

          Getting a BP is also a risk. You would have to come to terms with your BP in order to plan everything from whom is in charge of what, responsibilities in a specific area, period of time, money, etc. as you can see that having a BP is a great relief in some areas, it could be a pain in some areas too, especially if you are an individualist person.

          It could be a great idea to get multiple BP’s at the same time, but that is something that you would have to decide.

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I have all the time peoples asking me about the “paper work”, sole proprietorship, partnerships, LLC, corporation, etc.

          My personal opinion is to start easy with a “sole proprietorship”, why? Because the three main reasons: 1-you have the control all the time 2-you decide when and what to do and most importantly 3- because the tax breaks you get when you start your own business.

You can start a business with as little as $470 in any given year; I’ll break it down for you:

-          Website built $75/year     Website built here

-          Website host & domain name less than $75/year    Check it out here

-          Business cards $95

          You can start advertising you goods or services within hours, and depending on your attitude and field of expertise your new clients would start calling for you.

I have some current clients who’s started a business a few years back, they also have gotten websites.

          In time, when your income from business becomes steady then it’ll be a good idea to start thinking on creating a LLC, partnership or maybe incorporating you business. I would advise to talk to your tax professional.

          And as for the answer of the main question of today article: when it is time to fly solo? The answer is in you. For some the answer is now, for others it’ll never happen because they don’t feel comfortable on taking risks. It is all about the choices.

In the mean time keep it simple, go for it, you have nothing to lose.

Hiring the right individuals for your organization

WOW, February 2012 is here; time definitely flies when you are having fun or way too busy with your life.

If you are part of the millions of Americans whose are struggling with this economy trying to make ends meet then listen. The opportunities are out there, whether for employment or self-employment and all you have to do is look for it. There’s a saying “mercaderia que no se muestra, mercaderia que no se vende”, if people doesn’t know what you are looking for then they won’t be able to help. The literal translation doesn’t quite say the same thing but the meaning is the same. Dealing with unemployment I

As some of you are aware, this year we have grown a whole lot in accounting tax services and other non-related companies and non-related services as well. Having just said that, we have incorporated a whole lot of multi talented people everywhere too.

The first challenge was to find the right people to do the assignments. There are many considerations to tackle that challenge, such as location, timing, skills, personality, schedules, just to mention a few.

So, posting an ad for the job seems like the logical step. 

With this economy is not a surprise  that people would write anything on paper to get a job, or maybe some people is just overqualified for a job posting. Now I understand why initial over the phone and face to face interviews are held. From my own experience I see everybody wants to give a great first impression on the phone, which is cool. And although I always try to make this very first call at the right time of the day, I have people answering this very first call in odd places like while grocery shopping, driving, eating, feeding a baby, riding the bus, etc. which I appreciate. I always start these calls with a, “is this a good time for you to talk for a few minutes…”  Dealing with unemployment II

As a hiring manager I like the “attitude about life”, and someone who “prioritizes”. 

I believe life is a great market where everybody is looking to exchange information of all kinds. People go to school to learn valuable information about their careers, people go to work to provide information in exchange for money, people spend hours reading or creating information in their laptops, cell phones, etc. or people sell services “providing information” about how to drive cars, how to build buildings, how to clean spaces, etc.

So, the information obtained/obtained at this very first call is crucial.

In the face to face interview recruiters are focus in the personality and try to discuss more in detail the background of the potential employee. Is easier to spot a lie or a great sense of achievement in person that over the phone. Is at this point when the right candidate starts to appear. I would say from my own experience that two out of five phone interviews were the right candidate to proceed to a face to face interview. Then one out of two meets my company’s criteria, but once in the field just one out of 3.5 met the expectations at the pace required.

If you think about it, if you want to be employed for a long time then you have to pass all of these three phases to become the right person for any job.

Do not get me wrong, I had been at the other side of the desk, and to my best knowledge I always believe that what makes you the best candidate for any job is the golden rule “you have to look, walk and smell” like the perfect candidate for any job. But the golden rule will take all the way to the phase 3, once there you have to be the “right worker” for the job, meaning you have to do what is required or “expected” for the job.

It is a two way street here.

And again from my own experience that comes from property management accounting (which is vast) ranging from the modest rents that come from section eight in the less privileged side of Los Angeles, all the way to the luxury super outrageous dozens of thousands dollar rents that come from stores and residences in Beverly Hills.

I remember the few times when I was “tricked” by the hiring manager who probably wanted really badly my experience to get a job at a no-so appealing company for a nice boast on the offered wages.

I warn you all this is a “bad sign”. The way to hell is paved with good intentions, and it is true. 

This is how it goes. First they are impressed by your background, they want you badly, they offer you the job with a bonus at front, they are under the impression that you would magically resolved all the problems at their dysfunctional company (in which the main part of problem is the person who hired you). But there is no way for you to know that at this point, and that is why it is very important that you investigate the company you really want to work for. Then once at work they expect you to resolve problems that were there for years, they want you to put in place “new things”, “change”, “fresh ideas” that would help to resolve their problems, but when they realize that your experience and suggestions collide with their way of doing things (they will lose control), then this very “fresh ideas” are ignored by the very same people who hired you, then that is the end of it. At this point they just want you to do things the way they always did it, with not change. Well, a trained monkey could have done the same thing, do not you think?

Consultants know very well what I’m talking about.

But many of us are more anxious just to get a job, any job. I would say this applies more if you have the time and resources (unemployment) in place and time to do your due diligence. I honestly just did it once, and it worked perfectly, I met my dream place to work and I met my best boss ever which I still respect and remain friends, and coming from me, it is a lot, trust me.

It all would have been different if the hiring manager was honest from the get go. I had to deal with messy accounting situations, but that’s another blog article. Reasonable and Realistic expectations that is the key.

I usually tell the prospective candidate what is the nature of the job, what is expected from him/her, and if they would be willing to do it. That’s it, simple. I don’t see an employee as an employee but as a business partner who will make my life easier in the area, and try to be as reasonable as possible. The world has enough control freaks out there.

Trivia: Do you know how to spot if your boss is a control freak? Ask yourself if you boss would make a big deal out of nothing if you do something in a different way that leads to the same results at work. If the answer is yes, then that’s a hint.

Ok, you’re in phase three “in the job. What to do when somebody doesn’t perform as required, what about if somebody doesn’t meet your expectations? What about the time, resources and money invested in this employee? I would say everybody deserves other chances, maybe the solution is just something simple, maybe re-training, maybe this employee lacks on experience in certain area, it could be multiple different reasons that probably can be solved in minutes.

If after retraining the employee and having had multiple complete attempts to resolve the issue, then maybe and just maybe this is not the right fit after all. The New direction approach.

In this case probably the best way to resolve this issue would be to prioritize the company’s resources, time and money to the next best candidate.

It is unbelievable but some people still lie to the bones, and some of their friends who are willing to fool a hiring manager portraying as references, it is odd but still happens. I was shocked to learn there are companies that do that.

As odd as finding somebody with a long background in the entertainment business working in some kind of specialized office work. Nothing wrong with that if this individual is good at this work, good for you, but if you see certain warning signs from this employee such as struggle, stress, complaints, mood swings, etc, then maybe this is not the right individual for this job after all.

If you’re trying to just help a friend then good for you, but if your friend doesn’t help you…

Trivia: OREM Business Solutions can help you to find out if your workers are still the right candidate for the job, or the other way around.

Again this is a 2 way street. I have found some individuals last year whose lack on specialized training I was looking for but their attitude were the best! And so far these 5 individuals are just excelling far beyond my expectations. 

I was like, “ok show me what you got” and they just punched me straight in the face. Metaphorically “of course” after I regained consciousness I just love it!

This is rare but still happens, and I’m glad I found these people, and I would love to decipher the formula on how to find more of these individuals.

Trivia: why there are more foreigners as excelling individuals than American ones? Because a foreigner is used to struggle, and against all odds the foreigner one would try in unconventional ways that would usually shock the American one. (This example comes from this company, where the 5 excelling individuals happened to be foreigners)

If you are part of the ones whose are working at an unhealthy work environment I would suggest planning your next move, your “exit move”, planning the new direction in your life. Maybe you already fulfilled your learning process at your current work place and you are ready to move to bigger and better things. It happens all the time. Another hint is when you ask yourself where else can you go further in that company, is there any place where you think you can be promoted? Then you know the answer is NO. Once I had a coworker who told me: “Olivia has to die in order for me to become the boss”. 

You never know, these answers to these questions can be answer just by the very only one who never would lie or cheat to you, the one that will be with you until the day you die, and that is your hart.

Maybe is time to be in to business...

If your hart tells you that working in a small company is better than working for a big corporation then that’s your answer. For some people working in big corporation make them feel better, or like people in Los Angeles when driving by them somewhere, some feel lonely, some may feel great.

Trivia: Have you ever been at an uncomfortable business situation? Consider how would you have handled, can it still be fixed? And always be honest to yourself and others. Be transparent to everybody, it is always the best policy, the troublemaker will always come to the surface. Misery enjoys company, so don’t be misery’s company.

And then there are the overqualified people. With this economy there are hundreds of thousands of over-quifilied professionals of all fields, this is a unique opportunity to hire really valuable individuals that would bring a unique enrichment experience to your organization. There are thousands of over-experienced and overqualified individuals that are looking for jobs from all kinds of areas. So ask yourself, why settle for someone who would just do ok? For someone who just lacks the background or experience? I want the best; I want someone who would just thrive at  their work, someone who knows how to prioritize, not someone who just juggles, because juggling is a recepe for disaster. So think about it when choosing your candidates or when keeping the workers you already have.

There is a lot more to share, but that would be in the next issue…