This is just the beginning of an amazing experience, and I am beyond stoked to be a part of the class 16 group of interns…however; instead of being in California with most of my class, I am stuck in Ohio working remotely. My plans are still up in the air for now of when I will be moving out to California, but I am hoping it is as soon as possible. In the meantime, I am currently in my last quarter of school and will graduate from The Art Institute of Ohio-Cincinnati in June with a BA in fashion marketing and management. Wait, back up…fashion? Yes, I have always had a love for fashion, music, art, and culture, but I have also found my real niche in activewear and my calling in action sports. In high school I started wakeboarding and soon enough, snowboarding, which has lead me here as an intern with Bamboo Skateboards!
I found this internship on an up and coming action sports careers website called Super Rad. Three weeks before I became an intern for Bamboo, I was constantly staying up until 3a.m. researching job posts because 1. I am a very determined person, and 2. I want to be in the action sports industry…like, yesterday.
So anyways, I found Bamboo’s internship post and I was automatically pumped after researching and learning more about the company. This program is literally one-of-a-kind. The in-depth experience, the culture, and the knowledge that we are going to gain from this is unreal! I am looking forward to learning more about the industry so I can take as much as possible with me into the real world.
Today, we are slowly coming towards the end of the first week and it has been a crazy ride so far. There is so much information to take in and keep up with, but one thing is for sure. I have met (not technically ‘met’, but you know what I mean) so many awesome people and have learned some valuable life
lessons. I am so grateful to be a part of this experience and I am excited to see what is next for Bamboo Skateboards, our class, and to be able to look back and see how much I have grown as a person after this!
“Today is the start of a new adventure. New challenges to face, new memories to make, and new obstacles to overcome.” -Nishan Panwar
-Bri.
Check out this song that’s going to keep me motivated to move out West!
I cannot wait to see what happens after completing this internship. By remaining focusing on what is needed to accomplish today’s goals, I have a clear vision what will need to happen to achieve the employment desired in the action sports industry. It has been a constant feat to balance my current employment, this internship, and my social life all at once. Having completed this internship will allow me to focus purely on acquiring the employment opportunities I desire and less on balancing the many other requirements others have for me.
One thing will always remain certain in life, if you want something you have to go out and get it for yourself. This internship has taught me that you must be willing to make sacrifices, do whatever it takes to keep moving forward, and push until you reach your goals. It may seem hard at times to keep all this up month after month, week after week, day after day, but this is a proven the recipe for success. By staying driven day in and out, no matter the circumstances I remain in a commitment that many others have not been able to meet. It is a great lesson about running a prosperous business; no matter what the daily circumstances may be, it is important to stay focused on moving towards the goals.
As this journey comes towards an end, I have acquired some very useful information and lessons that will carry on with me in my new employment, new experiences, and new life challenges. Every tribulation that is faced today prepares me for the future, and how situations are handled today dictates how well I can control the outcome of future circumstances.
With summer approaching quickly, more and more I find myself near the water and in less clothing. But before days are spent in board shorts and flip flops there are some much needed skateboard trips! Last weekend’s event stirred a new desire to be on the road scouting skate spots and parks. I was fortunate enough to find myself amongst some very inspiring talented skateboarders and enthusiastic spectators. Last Saturday the Carmel Valley skate park hosted the “I ride, I recycle” skateboard contest. Let me begin by stating there was much more to see than just a few power slides and wheelies. I was not only impressed by the caliber of riding, but the diversity of athletes. Not only were competitors of many ability levels, but they were of different sexes, age groups, and skateboarding styles. There was a little bit of everything at this event; it seemed as though even skateboarders that were not in the sanctioned competition were having fun skating in their own competitive contest. At any given time I would look around and see others not only having a great time, but having support from others doing it. It makes me remember weekends when mom would take me to the skate park. Ma didn’t know anything about skateboarding, so I never listened to her tips, you know stupid comments like “keep your head up, or “make sure to keep my feet above the metal thingy’s” it never failed that in less than 10 minutes an older skater would roll up and say “Keep your head up dude”, or “Yo bro, keep your feet over the trucks!”. Somehow it sunk more when he said it; he was a peer and was understanding. this skateboard event reminded me of All the things that I long for…skate trips to rad parks, skateboarding with a diverse group of athletes, the inspiration from complete strangers that know what they are talking about and a little bit of summer to top it off.
So this last weekend I got to represent Bamboo Skateboards at “Greenfest” which was presented by SDSU’s Associated Students and SDSU’s Enviro-Business Society. It was a weeklong schedule of events which encourage, celebrate, and advocate sustainability and diversity. The purpose of GreenFest was to engage the campus community through social and interactive programs in an effort to educate them on the important of living a sustainable lifestyle and to promote sustainable practices.
Engaging with the students and staff alike, it was evident that SDSU is a campus that is at the forefront of living sustainably. Every vendor that was present was making steps towards revealing ways to improve lifestyle while doing a part of preserving the future. It was not only a great event, but a great venue. For anyone that has not been to the SDSU campus I would recommend visiting for the simple fact of viewing great architecture in a stunning setting. Awesome art, design, and scenery coupled along with great weather and many like-minded students, sets the tone for becoming educated in both general studies and sustainability at a SDSU a synch. It is no wonder this is a preferred University amongst many students living in Southern California.
While working this event, I informed others about business practices that will not only generate business for Bamboo skateboards, but healthier consumer decisions on what products leave less of an impact on future generations. Overall, I would say that this was a great success for Bamboo Skateboards and other products/services that promote sustainability!
Just wanted to say huge shout out to my friends that are on tour!
The band is called Minor birds and they are on a 2-3 month tour with another great artist named Kat Jones. Thanks to Mark in the marketing and sales department, they are riding new Bamboo Skateboards in somewhere around 30 states of the United States of good ‘ol America! After the bands tour had a stop in the San Diego area, Bamboo skateboards had the pleasure of hosting them to a few hours at the warehouse, showing them what it’s like to run a great skateboard company while they showed us what it’s like to run some great instruments! Please follow them on their journey across the great states, and make sure to support their valiant effort to support Bamboo skateboards and methods of sustainability through great music and art in any way that you can!
Thanks so much Joel, Chelsea, and Kat Jones for making the stop to see an old friend. Love you guys and your wonderful musical capabilities!!
Have you even been stuck on rocky embankment, and the only way to get to safety was to climb through thorn bushes? Have you even been caught unexpectedly in a snowstorm without a jacket and had to walk 2 miles to warmth? There are times in life that you just have to sack up and provide results.
For me, this week’s schedule felt like one of those moments. Having only a very limited number of hours in a day makes it difficult to find even time to sleep. While I used to plan out my days in hours, planning now comes in durations of minutes and seconds. Time management is possibly the most important thing that this internship has taught me. By sacking up and waking up every weekday at 5am and moving nonstop until approximately around 11pm.
At times similar to that of being caught in a snowstorm or stranded on a ledge embankment, autopilot takes over and you do what is only absolutely necessary at the time. While this is a skill I have recently acquired, it is one that should have been practiced many times before. One can say that my situation is much like being stuck on a ledge outcropping without a rope or in a snowstorm without a jacket. The morale of the story is to do whatever it takes to get through the situation and make sure to be better prepared next time.
They say time flies when you’re having fun, but I beg to differ. I’d say time flies when you don’t have any time to think about it. The internship is now into week 7 and during this entire internship I’ve been holding down a full time job that requires 45-48 hours of work a week. Add that on top of the average 28-32 hours on the internship workload and that puts me at breaking around 73-80hrs a week of work! How can I do it you ask? Exercise, eating healthy, rest, and the thought of completing a challenging task, but ultimately it’s a craptone of caffeine that gets me through the day.
Unfortunately, at times even while doing these things I feel guilty about not working on some paper or spreadsheet, and think about how quickly and easy it is to fall behind. However, this feeling ultimately motivates me and allows a sense of accomplishment. Can I balance it all? Can I get a raise at work, and be one of the best interns all at the same time?
One phrase that I can most definitely agree upon: you only get out as much as you put in. That’s why I’m going to use my any free time off to study, research, update and repeat. Friends, and fun can wait for a little bit longer and some would be miserable in a similar situation. But I have a very simple quote for those people:
“Be miserable. Or motivate yourself. Whatever has to be done, it’s always your choice.”
Wayne Dyer
Who doesn’t like great sandwiches, great weather, and free stuff with great people? That’s what last weekend’s Board and Brew grand opening consisted of. This was a great event with an incredible turnout, and if you missed it make sure to make your way down there for a California delight (unbelievable sandwich) People that have been brushing up on their golf putting skills had an opportunity to win free t-shirts care of Mammoth resorts. Arnette optics had enough free schwag to cover any white boy from a sunburn with a hat or beanie for the day. They also threw in some glasses at the end of the day with the raffle in full swing. Bamboo Skateboards hit the cement rollin with a few decks for guests to try out before making a purchase. The crowd also got the chance to dig into some grubbing submarines while wetting there whistles with some of the best suds this side of the Mississippi. Within a window of 5 hours, I personally put down 3 of those amazing sandwiches. This event catered to more than your average beach bum; at any given time there was mommy’s pushin strollers, granny’s pushin walkers and grommy’s pushin skateboards. Its events like this I have come to realize just how easy it is to connect with others. Pleasure can be as simple as sandwiches, music and laughs… Free stuff helps too.
Thanks to all involved for an amazing day, can’t wait for the grand re-opening! Till nexrt time….JEB
This internship continues to challenge me all the time. But, there are always some good things that come from pushing yourself. I am now starting to see some of my efforts in sales and PR come to life. The relationships and discussions are in their beginning phases, but I feel like something positive can really come from this. I have been talking with someone from Clutter Magazine, trying to get a PR piece together and get them some of our decks with Clutter graphics on them. I am working with someone who wants to film a video segment with Truth Hurts riders on Bamboo Skateboards. And, the legendary surf shaper, Greg Noll, has a shop in San Clemente that says they would be interested in getting some Greg Noll art on our boards and throw a promo party for the decks. Anyways, I’m just trying to make some stuff happen and it feels good to see some positive outcomes.
While all is moving forward in the PR and sales areas, my points are seriously hurting. I think the biggest challenge for me is just trying to juggle working at my restaurant job, this internship and all my own personal errands. I also find that the 20 hours minimum of straight tasks is a lot of work. Again, my points are my biggest roadblock right now, and as stated above I am really working on my sales and PR to try and bring my points back in the game. I just hope its not too late. That is another challenge, in most companies I believe there is a 90 period where new employees are expected to be training and learning about the company. With this program, you really need to get things rolling at a much more accelerated rate.
What an insainely fun and intense 2 weeks this has been here at Bamboo Skateboards. I will try to recap everything for you but I guarentee I am forgetting something.
First we will start with the Intern assignments and to start that off lets talk about the final! I am so happy to have made it this far in this intense program and I really did NOT want to take that final. I worked all day in the warehouse, got home, got a terrible headache, grabbed some pills, and dove in. This was crazy, all the prep we had done during prior weeks, our midterm, the ibeprophin I took, nothing truly prepaired me for what I had in front of me. None-the-less I stuck my headphones in, turned up some music and destroyed that thing. I know I am 10,000xs happier that it is behind me.
Second up is our new priority, Skate Shop Research, and it has really been going well. We have all been flying through our given regions and have almost gotten (what we think is) every skate/surf shop in the United States. Sean and I have been working hard to make sure our salesforce.com account is setup properly and have been transferring all the interns (past and present findings into it. I think we have all been killing this assignment!
Third big thing is HookIt, we have been working hard as a team to figure out what about HookIt just isn’t working and have come up with some awesome re-structuring to make sure that it works to our full advantage and is really a win-win for all parties involved (BBS, HookIt, our Athletes and of course you future Interns). Big things from team HookIt!!!
Forth big project we worked on the past few weeks is making sure all of the files we use on a weekly/daily are in perfect condition and are optimized so that when new interns start they have an even easier time than we did with the files. Crazy good work being done on that front and I must say, thank you to all previous classes for giving us a great starting block, and futur classes I sure hope you can keep improving these files for futur classes to come!
OK, on to the fun stuff…….
Green Festival and Fashion Show.
Last Friday most of the intern crew jumped into a few cars and drove up to LA for a huge Green Festival in wich our Bamboo boards were going to shown as a part of an Eco Fashion Show put on by Rebecca Mink. The drive up was horrible, traffic, traffic, traffic, and then we got lost. Once we got there however things turned around and they turned around fast. That first night not much was needed since we showed up a bit later then we had originally hoped to so rather than sit around and do nothing we all went out on the town! And by town I mean the Malibu Inn in Malibu since that was where we were staying for the night. A few (several) rounds of drinks, paper bags, awesome live music, and some truly professional level pool playing and we decided to call it a night and prepare for our long day to follow. The team woke up bright and early, showerd (some of us), brushed teeth, got dressed, and jumped out the door and back into the car for yet another drive to DT LA. We arrived and the fair was already going so we headed straight to our booth to check in. Rebecca was busy taking care of some PR so we wandered around and got a glimpse of some of the booths then in a moment of pure bliss we decided that Boo should probably join us on this stroll. We went back to our room (the models changing and prep room) and woke Boo up from his nap so he could say hi to his soon to be fans. Wandering around Boo took loads of pictures, practiced a little yoga, and even voted for some pretty cool city art programs, then it was back to the room for him to nap a bit more. During the down town a few of us dissapeared and we later found out they were busy getting some awesome massages FOR FREE!!! At this point the models were in the room, clothing, hair, and makeup was flying everywhere as the designers prepped their lines, makeup and hair artists prepped the models, and interns made sure there was plenty of water to keep everyone happy. Faster than we knew it was time for the show, we guided a long train of models and garmet racks behind the main stage and got everyone into position. A slight change in music and off they went, one after another they hit that runway. After the runway they jumped back into the backstage area, threw off one set of clothing and magically through on another set and off again to that runway. In what seemed like 5 minutes top the fashion show was over, later we were told that it was almost 30 minutes long and to be honest none of us would have guessed that. We quickly cleared out the backstage area and headed back to our room, a lot of goodbyes to all the amazing models we worked with that day, farewells to the designers and artists, and of course a ton of groups pictures and big thank yous to our awesome host Rebecca. After that it was back in the car for our long drive back to SD and the end of an epic event.
Black Friday!
Well today is that day well known as Black Friday, the friday after thanksgiving, the unholy day of rediculous sales and people waiting in line at midnight the night before to get them deals! We worked hard all week (and by we I mean Mark did some awesome PR work and we just did what he told us to do) prepping our big BF sale as well as got ready to share the awesome clip of us on the Today Show the morning of. In a few short hours after our spot on TV our sale was flying off the shelf and we were all so extremely stoked to be seeing BBS spread to all these new people and fans!
Cyber Monday
In the same fashion as BF the staff over at BBS with the help of us interns setup some amazing deals for next week that should keep people flocking to our online shop and hopefully lead us to land several big skate shops in the near future.
Thanks Giving
Yes I know I am going a little out of order now but I wanted to save this for my parting note. This year (as I have done for many years) I drove up to San Luis Obispo to be with a few of my friends on this wonderful day of glutony. Food was plentiful, drinks were ever flowing, and I feel like I gained a good 10-20 pounds in those 3 or 4 “servings” I injested. The thing I love most about the gathering of friends is that no matter who you are, where you are, wether you are with family or friends there is really nothing better than a group meal to warm you up and get that pep back in your step.
Hello world! It seems like every week is so packed with stuff to do it is insane. We just finished up our Midterm and I think we are all super stoked on how we did. It was a lot of prep work, but it all paid off. Last week we put in a bunch of hours trying to work as a team and come to consensus on our answers. Of course, we strayed a bit off track the first try, but we were able to stay focused and eventually came to consensus with our methods and our answers. I feel like this Midterm was set up really cool. It really helps you understand the financial and numbers side of the business. I’ve taken a couple accounting classes before, but they had little translation to this project. I like how there were two different factories with two different sets of variables that we had to calculate and compare. I felt like I was making real life business decisions and forecasts.
Just yesterday Mark, Thane and I went down to San Diego’s CW 6 for their San Diego Living segment. We joined a couple of other companies who will be attending the Cardiff Surf Classic this Saturday. Before we went on I asked the group if I could put on the Panda suit and get in their shot, and they were all about it! I was super stoked because I got to give the reporter a big panda hug. Then we did our segment, and Mark killed it. He pitched all of the cool stuff we have going on with iRide, Eqo Optics, the trophies and everything. Then, I asked the producer if we could get the Panda in the studio, and they were all about it! The woman reporter couldn’t stop laughing when as she posed like she was having a serious interview. It was great. Overall, the event was a tremendous success.
Now, we are getting all set up for our event at the Cardiff Surf Classic this Saturday. We have our kicker ramp all spray painted up, we have our obstacle course planned out, and Sean is finishing up spray painting the tarp wave that we are bringing down. It has been quite an eventful week and I look forward to the event this weekend!
Congrats to everyone who has made it half way! It’s been a huge struggle, but with every struggle, comes a test of our character, work ethic, and boundaries. I have far exceeded what I thought I was capable of accomplishing, and been pushed way past my limits.
The saying “it’s all downhill from here” doesn’t really apply to this internship (for those of you considering doing it). It’s a constant challenge, and even though we’re half way there, things are continuing to get more challenging. Goals to meet, events to plan, decks to sell.
However, we are all becoming a team more and more. Better and more effective communication has been key. We are figuring out not only our own strengths and weaknesses, but also that of our co-interns, as we build and grow off each other. We are slowly creating a fit among the team, to where I can finally say that I feel like we are contributing to BambooSK8 as a whole.
This is our chance to really create ourselves. Through success or failure, this has been a huge learning experience for us, and I’ve made some great friends in the process.
It’s the last week of the internship and it’s a little sad. I have made some amazing friends that I know will be friends for life. We have all worked so hard to reach our goals that it’s a little bittersweet that it’s all coming to an end.
Right now, we are focusing all of our time trying to reach our goals and get the product for the Intern Fundraiser ready. There is SO much stuff it’s insane! We were able to get so many donations that I’m pretty sure anyone who buys a raffle ticket will walk away with something. I’m hoping to CRUSH last semesters earnings of $1,000. With the amount of product and their worth I think we can expect to surpass 1k. Gavin just sent an email out to everyone that Malakye is tweeting about our event! That’s HUGE!! I am really excited for Thursday.
On top of getting everything organized we are also gearing up for the event at SDSU on Thursday. Tameka was able to get us into the Eco Fest down there. We are hoping to sell some decks and get the word about the fundraiser out to everyone there.
Also, last week Jamie and I had to pick the winner of the OSF design contest. It was SO HARD!!! I can’t even believe how amazing those students’ designs were. Here are the winners:
1st place: Faline
2nd Place: Alyssa
3rd Place: Alex
This was by far the best year yet. Every single design was amazing. The kids at OSF have so much talent. I guarantee you will be seeing their names again.
I would be lying if I said I hadn’t learned anything from my time here at BambooSK8. This internship has definitely pushed me to my limits. I know more about the inter workings of a business better than I ever have before. I learned how connected each position within the company relates to one another and drives results. All of those topics are important to know and understand, but what I learned most was about myself. I have pushed myself to become better. To be happier, more courageous, to understand when to take emotion out of situations and most importantly, how to be more positive. I have to say that I came into this internship with the hope to fine tune and obtain quantitative data for my resume, and I did get those things, but the most important thing I will take away from this experience is how to become a better me.
So thank you to everyone at BambooSK8 for being so amazing these past 4 months!!! I can’t wait to send everyone off the right way at the Intern Fundraiser. FIREBALLS FOR EVERYONE!
This is so bittersweet…We are almost done with the internship! Seriously, at times I wanted to pull my hair out because this internship is not for the faint of heart. However, I am thankful for the staff at BambooSK8 for allowing me to be apart of the first out of state intern group. Alissa, David, Gabe, Michelle and I are pioneers…or guinea pigs Either way, this was an experience that has taught me so much about, time management, goal setting, negotiating and how great this company is. I have never been pushed so much in my life but I’m stoked to know how much I can do and that I can handle more.
I have had tons of help with coordinating my events, especially since I have been setting up events in California…. from Illinois!! Crazy right?!! I appreciate all those who got to the events and educated people about BambooSK8 and got phone numbers ( I wont say any names…DAVID!) and for those who kicked butt and got tons on donations for our intern fundraiser event on April 26th. I appreciate you guys!! This week, will be full of finalizing details for events, helping organize literature for the incoming cycle of interns and mock interviews with GK.
Almost done!!Woo!! Bring it on!!! Initiating game face sequence!!
<—– This is her game face
Catcha Later,
~T
T-minus 9 days until in back in Cali and 10 days until the intern event…You’re invited!!!!
It’s almost the end of the internship and I can tell you that most of us interns are freaking out. We all really need to sell some decks to make sure we pass with flying colors.
It is getting to be hectic because we are running out of time to promote the intern fundraiser! Jackie is awesome and created the flyer, so we just need to get it printed so that we can plaster the flyer EVERYWHERE! We are all really excited about the event. We have awesome bands and great give aways!
As for our commitments, we are all working very hard to reach our goals. We still need to step up our HOOKIT game and we have increased a lot, we just need to make sure our points are there. Facebook is catching up. We finally broke the 4k mark on likes!!! I think a lot of it had to do with sending out an email blast to all the HOOKIT followers. We are also running a sweepstakes that utilizes the fan base we have to gain more likes. I think that has a lot to do with the spike in likes we have gotten over the past few days. Analytics is still going strong! So at least we are hitting those numbers!
We are about to have a Panda video go viral we just need to get the Panda’s name!! I vote for Eco Rico, but I don’t get to pick. (So if you are reading this, go to this link and vote!!!!! https://apps.facebook.com/opinionpolls/poll?pid=AB-mvukuQGE)
Today, Jamie and I are going to pick the winner of the deck competition with the Oasis Skate Factory! So stay tuned for the winner! It’s going to be SO HARD to pick!!!
You tell me how we are supposed to pick a winner when all of the decks look like THIS!!!
All in all everything is going well, we are just all in the rat race till the end, striving towards that elusive letter of recommendation!!
Till next time!!
P.S Don’t forget to Check out the video that Gavin created for this month featured shop.
Give props to BambooSK8 Rider Ryan Strader for KILLING it at the PHXAM!!!
It’s easy to think “oh yeah I have to be efficient, no problem.” Although, when you are hit with a bunch of tasks to tackle, it’s not always as easy as it seems.
Red peppers in my self sustaining vegetable garden in South Cali
Luckily, we have a sweet system set up to monitor our efficiency and help us manage our workload. The timesheet has been a challenge to stick to and it has been difficult to figure out how to make improvements but it has been a big help.
Super Sweet 100 Cherry Tomatoes
We had an awesome time at Clash at Clairemont 6. Despite the bad weather, a ton of people came out to support Grind For Life.
The Clash
This program has been a blast and a big challenge for me to learn how to bring results and develop professionally. I look forward to every second of the rest of it.
I can’t believe it is already week 9! Time fly’s when your being eco-friendly I guess. So far I have learned great things from my internship here at BambooSk8. The Management Systems that the company has in place really helps with organization. We also are required to fill out weekly time sheets that show everything we do, and how long it takes us to do it. I think it would be quite a feet for there to be a disorganized intern in this program!!! However, all of these tools are essential for entering the work force.
This week we are gearing up for the Clash at Clairemont. This event takes place on St. Patricks day, and I am SO EXCITED for it! Geoff K bought a panda suit for the event, and I can’t wait to see who we get to wear it. Things are pretty busy in the office, there is a lot of planning that goes into these types of events. After all, we want to make it great for everyone!!!
Other than the Clash event, things are running business as usual. I have been working hard with my team to get our Facebook and Analytic numbers where they need to be. I have also been spending a lot of time on Hookit to try and help our numbers there. We have some really great contests running at the moment, and we have another St. Patty’s day one about to be announced as well. Tameka, Mark and myself have also been working very hard at planning the fundraiser for Grind for Life. So far it is lining up to be pretty awesome!! The venue, Hensley’s Flying Elephant, is awesome!!!! We also have some pretty incredible bands lined up to play. The main goal right now is to get donations from other companies. So Jackie created a flyer for us to send out, and let me tell you, that girl is a genius!!!
On top of all of this, Jamie and I are helping some students up at the Oasis Skate Factory in Toronto with their deck designs. I can’t believe how amazingly talented these kids are. Their project is to create a deck design for a Bamboo deck that sends the message of sustainability. These designs are so good, I wouldn’t have thought they came from kids at all! Jamie and I are beyond excited to see what their final designs look like! KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK GUYS!!!!
Below is some of the amazing work that the kids at OSF are doing!
Hi all Bamboosk8rs fans and readers of other people’s blogs!!
We just had a week from hell with a financial exam and everything else going on. This internship is redefining the meaning of “busy”. I truly have admiration for Gavin and Jessi who always seem in control of what’s going on, but I guess being in the office helps a big time. All the interns though are putting so much effort to get everything going and results are coming in.
This week we’ve been working on Hook it, Facebook, Twitter, Movie Maker Xtranormal, an event in Cali, auctions in Last Click, work on Seshday, Survey monkey on different things and the exam on how to create Income Statements and Cash Flows.
We’re also running multiple events on all platforms. Check our websites for what we’re offering our followers and trusted customers,
Twitter: who tags the most @Bamboosk8
Facebook: Are you the chosen one? enter team video to win
Hook it: How green are you contest, posting pictures of how to be green recycling ect..
Bamboo we: Bamboo bonanza code to buy and then enter sweepstake
I mean what else can we do?
Wait and see our next blog to find out what’s coming at you.
We’re so proud of making so much difference already and another 2 months ahead of us!
WHOOOOOA….WERE HALFWAY THERE!!!…….(Sing it with me) WooooooOOHH…..LIVIN ON A PRAYER!!!
All I can say about this week is that it has been BANANAS! ( Is it bad that I hear Gwen Stefani in my head every time I spell that word?) We have all been in study mode getting ready to take the midterm which I must say was brutal!
Just a side note for the interns after us….STUDY STUDY STUDY and help each other out as much as you can! It taught me a lot cash flow statements, shipping, revenue and all things accounting. While I’ll be the first one to admit that I am sorta of a information junkie (or nerd whichever you prefer) who wants to learn everything, I’m glad I was introduced to it all and glad the midterm is OVER!! Whew!
I got to spend a week at home in San Diego with my mom and family which was pretty awesome and I totally needed a break from the cold weather in Illinois. I, also, got the chance to stop by the BambooSK8 office in Oceanside and meet my Oside fam! Jessi ( who btw is the internet queen of the world and freaking hilarious) and Jamie (who is equally as funny and has been a huge help to me ) were there hanging out in the intern cave/dungeon/ coldest place on earth. It was really cool to get a chance to meet them outside of Skype calls. P.S. Geoff C is one of the busiest people ever and he has media gadgets galore. He keeps saying hes going to make a sweet “Rambo Media BELT” to accommodate for his “iArensal.” I was expecting to see if when I got there but sadly, there was no belt and I think I cried a little.
While I am on the topic, can I just say that ALISSA,GAVIN, GABE,DAVID, MICHELLE, JESSI and JAMIE are on top of their game! I am proud to be apart of a team that is so well rounded, creative and determined. Everyone brings something different to the table and I appreciate all of you! Keep up the good work guys!!
So whats next? Well, Ive been doing a ton of PR work…talking to event coordinators, booking bands for events, creating events for BambooSK8 and Bamboo Buddy to attend and getting our name into as many publications as I can. I must say I DIG it! I love everything about what I am doing right now! I’m looking to continue doing public relations within the action sports industry. (Wink Wink)
I am pretty stoked about what I have learned so far in this internship and how much it applies to every aspect of life. We are currently working out the details of hosting a fundraiser event that will be held during Earth Week! There’s talk of a Panda Suit….at some point during the night….I will probably be in it!!! LOL
Also, I will be attending my first event for BambooSK8 in Milwaukee at the end of March! Alissa and I will be ‘boo swaggin” it out at the Ride the Beat tour hosted by Bam Margera! If your in the area, we’d love to meet you!
Now that I’m back in cold Midwest, I guess I’ll bundle up…..IN MY ONEZIE PAJAMAS!!
Well, ladies and gents, this internship is moving right along and its really an eye opener. Seriously, I have been looking at details more than I ever have and organizing my time….well trying to anyways. Normally, we get free range of our blogs and what we would like to share with our readers. Hence, all the goofy pictures of me on my boards. You know what? Being in the action sport industry as an intern, isn’t all skateboards and competitions, it a lot of business. I can say that I have learned a lot about business in a short amount of time.
Firstly, I am learning to receive constructive feedback. Lets be honest, no one wants to be told that they are wrong. Since we are being honest, I used to have this bad. Ugh, my pride would get me into SO much trouble!! You couldn’t tell me anything! Needless to say, I was humbled over and over again until that pride thing was broken. Now, I’m not saying that it doesn’t make a cameo every now and again. The difference is, is that I don’t let it win. Business is something that is fairly new to me. You have to have a very thick skin to be in business and sometimes you will be given feedback that you don’t want to hear. Believe me, I know!
Ultimately, the feedback isn’t intended to make you cry or upset you but it does. The trick is to turn it into something positive. Take that feedback and implement it into your life or your career. It will make you a better person and employee if you let it. But of course, you have to let it.
Overall this internship is a learning experience that can be applied to my life. This is new territory, new industry and responsibilities. I am surrounded by intelligent, focused people who are very efficient and love what they do. I love it! It challenges me to step up to the plate and chart this uncharted territory. I’m stoked on it!! I live in a very small town where the stars are insanely bright but not everyone is reaching for them. I want to reach for them, I am reaching for them. I am motivated and driven to do the best that I can to become a better person and a better employee. BambooSk8 is an amazing company and I will do everything i can to spread the word about what they stand for.
This week in the cold I caught up on some Netflix….. oh yea, they DO have shark week….STOKED!!
Wow. I can’t believe its week 6! Time flies when you’re working your butt off!!! We have some big things in the works. All of us interns are really pushing each other to hit our goals; and let me tell you, IT’S HARD!!!
I came into this internship hoping to refine my marketing skills, and I have definitely been successful on that endeavor. What I didn’t realize was that I would be learning about myself. I am learning how to handle different situations that arise, and how to handle criticism. This internship has helped me realize that there are aspects of business that I thought I was good at…. but boy was I wrong!
Now, on to the good stuff….. WHAT HAVE I BEEN DOING?!
Well, it’s so good of you to ask…and it can be summed up in 1 word. CONTESTS!!! My team and I have been creating and implementing contests! Not only are they great for promotion but they also help to push sales. We are on our way to hitting social media goals with just 1 contest in place. They can be utilized across the social media board! Our Slap That Sticker contest is being pushed through Facebook, Twitter and Hookit!
I also spent time creating a reveal page for the Facebook Fan Page. I’m not gonna lie, I’m pretty excited about it. Jackie, the graphic designer here at Bamboosk8 did a killer job at creating the graphics for it! It is still a work in process but it has already increased our Facebook “likes” immensely!
On the Analytics front, we are working to implement this on Facebook. I actually found a way to link Google Analytics to the Facebook Reveal tab that I created. That is something that I am stoked about because it’s killing 2 birds with 1 very well crafted stone!!!
I’m excited to be working so hard and seeing those projected numbers rising!!
If you haven’t already, help us out and like us on Facebook!!!
Hello Hello!!
It is week 4 of this internship and it is flying by. There have been a lot of things to do but it’s totally worth it! I can’t get over how much I have learned so far! I’m still pretty stoked about being an intern! Over the past couple of weeks, I have been doing a lot of PR work for BambooSK8! We are given goals or commitments to reach per week and let me tell ya, it’s an eye opener! I’m learning to manage my time better and that “the devil is in the details.” Yet in still, it’s awesome! I love that I get to spread the word about these products to everyone I see, call and email. Lately, I’ve been contacting different festivals, eco events and magazines that BambooSK8 can be a part of. Time to represent!!
Oh! how could I forget the Greenwashed Music Ritual? Curious huh? Well…
The Green Washed Ritual II digital music compilation features 10 amazing artists from around the world who have kindly donated one song each to promote sustainability. For every purchase on the BambooSK8 website, you will receive via email an access code for all 10 songs upon completion of the shopping cart purchase. As a bonus, you will also get the 20 songs from the first GWR compilation. Pretty stellar, right?!?! I mean, who doesn’t like music?
Show some love for these awesome bands by letting your friends know who you are listening to and purchase the bands music!!
With everything going on, I did steal some time to skate a bit….
to do some luging?
and sing “With or Without You” by U2 to a lady at work….note the pen microphone! LOL
She was diggin it!!!
I think overall all of us interns are developing strategies to meet our goals and represent for BambooSK8 in the way should! And we will!! It’ll be really cool to see what the next couple of weeks will bring and what I will learn from this company, my mentors and from the other interns! I’m expecting the best in every situation.
By the way, you want to do your good deed for the day?
“Like” us on FB: www.facebook.com/BambooSk8
Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/BambooSK8
Check out the Greenwashed music Ritual: www.bamboosk8.com/misc/music.php
And last but certainly not least, buy a bamboo board! Save a tree. Skate green!
Yo Yo,
It is now week 4 and I have learned so much in this internship already it’s crazy! I am the in-office person for Hook-It, Twitter and YouTube and just keeping up with these 3 is a challenge. I am always looking for a challenge, but I was not expecting the amount of time this internship was going to require. It has taken me a while, but I am beginning to adapt to the chaos and starting to actually enjoy it. Moving forward, I have learned tons of information on the strategy taken by companies to improve their product. It is amazing how you can go about selling the same product in a different way and have it succeed rather than fail. Bamboo has a competitive niche in the market and that is that their boards are lighter; stronger; and most importantly eco-friendly. This gives them the competitive advantage over other board companies. I started riding my first deck last week and I can now tell people what I truly think of the product I am selling. I can only say one thing, they are AWSOME!!! I am never going to ride a maple deck again!
The bosses are really helping me this week when it comes to the different goals and commitments I am working on. I appreciate all of their help, because I know how much time it takes out of their day to help us as well as how much this information will help me in relation to my future jobs. I am also learning a lot about myself, how much I can accomplish and how long it is going to take me. I am excited to start editing old videos and brainstorming new ideas for projects. I am also excited for future contests and events that we are going to hold, because it is good to be involved in the community and give these kids something to get excited about!!! I leave you with a link to the video I made from my trip to Bali in August…
Well….it is now officially week 4. Things are moving quicker, and we now have our assigned teams. I am working on increasing likes on the BambooSk8 Facebook Fan Page with Gabe and Jamie. I am also working with David and Jamie on increasing unique viewers through Google Analytics. We have a long way to go but I know we can hit our goals.
It has been pretty hectic trying to hit all the deadlines assigned, but it should get easier. So far, I have been focusing on completing my Hookit contacts and the Master Shop List. Next on my list of things to do is get all of my team on board and implementing the many ideas we have come up with! It’s time to hit the ground running and get massive traffic to the BambooSk8 site!!!!
SOOOOOOO..do me a solid and like the BambooSk8 Facebook Fan Page!!! Just click the link!!!
Either way, this was an experience that has taught me so much about, time management, goal setting, negotiating and how great this company is. I have never been pushed so much in my life but I’m stoked to know how much I can do and that I can handle more.
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