Smith in the News

The Wall Street Journal Online in a Career Journal column last week highlighted a number of innovative career management initiatives undertaken by the Smith School. The article quoted Janet Richert, managing director for the Office of Career Management. Other recent Smith School media highlights include a Forbes.com article, which noted mutual funds research by Russ Wermers, associate professor of finance; a Washington Post article, which detailed the Business Plan Archive project led by David Kirsch, assistant professor of entrepreneurship; and a widely published Associated Press article, which highlighted a study about box-office revenues by Chris Dellarocas, associate professor of decision and information technologies. In addition, Peter Morici, professor of international business was quoted on economic issues by Bloomberg News, The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, and other leading media.

For more Smith School media highlights and links to articles, visit Smith School in the News.

2004 Annual Graduate Marketing Forum

On November 5, 2004 the Graduate Marketing Association hosted the 2004 Marketing Forum, sponsored this year by Citigroup. The event highlighted the different areas within the marketing field, and brought together industry thought leadership in brand management, strategic relationship marketing, financial services marketing, and market research.

The keynote speaker, Sheryl Behar, EVP, director of strategic marketing, Citi Cards, discussed "Consumer Perceptions: Successfully Managing a Brand.” Behar highlighted the history and consumer perceptions of credit that can adversely affect brand management for Citi Cards. She reviewed relevant market research that was used to build a successful advertising campaign, designed to promote Citi Cards’ consumer centric strategy. Behar also described Citi Cards’ tactics for ongoing customer retention, and ways in which Citi wanted to change consumer perceptions of the company.

Other Speakers included Hilary Bruggen, founder of Strelmark, who discussed the importance of strategic relationship marketing in the career development process. Bruggen discussed innovative ways to market oneself throughout one’s career, from interviewing tips to voicemail and e-mail communication. Building trust, communicating in terms of the employer, “buying in your language and selling in theirs” were key themes of Bruggen’s presentation. She encouraged members of the audience to create a tag line that describes themselves in two words to help introduce themselves to new contacts.

The evening’s closing speakers were Gayle Lomax, vice president of the Individual Marketing Group for T. Rowe Price Investment Services, and Charles Colby, president of Rockbridge Associates, a leading market research firm in the D.C. Metro area. Lomax discussed the thought process behind an effective financial services marketing strategy, and discussed tactical ways in which T. Rowe Price differentiated itself in the marketplace. Colby discussed successful market research techniques used by Rockbridge Associates, and highlighted specific research studies of interest to the Marketing Forum audience.

The evening closed with a networking reception for young alumni, current students and industry speakers.

Wine Education Tips

“Becoming wine savvy is almost as important in business as playing golf.”

Jordan Lichman
MBA Candidate 2006

Key Facts:

• Temperature:
• Whites: 40-55 degrees Fahrenheit
• Reds: 55-65 degrees Fahrenheit
• Glassware:
• Use stemware with a bowl large enough to swirl your wine
• Don’t swirl your champagne!
• Don’t tilt the glass when someone pours your wine (its not beer!)
• Wines vary widely within regions, varietals, and by vintage
   

Deciphering Wine Labels:

• Varietal: When you purchase a wine based on varietal (Bordeaux, Riesling, etc) you have a basic idea of the flavors involved. Keep in mind though that the growing region and winemaker can greatly affect the favors of a varietal!
• Producer: Wineries often cultivate a house style. Rombauer makes fat buttery beautiful Chardonnays. Wineries can offer a wide variety of styles and price points, and can sometimes change winemakers, which affect the quality of the wine.
• Region: Growing conditions play a large role in the potential of a wine. Some regions consistently produce better wines than others.
• Importer: While you may not know the winery or the variety, some importers always pick good wines. Some great importers include Kermit Lynch, Robert Kacher, Leonardo Lascacio, and Terry Thiese. Remember though your tastes may not always mesh with those of the importer!
• Vintage: Knowing which years made the best wine, based on weather and region, can help you pick the best wine. Don’t put too much stock in vintages though, as excellent winemakers have been known to have an off year.

Choosing a Wine in a Restaurant:

• Know how much you want to spend
• Rule of Thumb: spend about half the cost of the food on wine
• Talk to the manager or sommelier about the kind of wines offered by the restaurant
• Don’t stress about ordering the perfect wine to complement everyone’s food. If the food’s good, and the wine’s good, you’re good!
• Soft reds and full bodied whites complement the widest range of flavors on the menu
• Enjoy the best wines with the simplest foods:
• First Growth Bordeaux with a prime rib
• White burgundy with roasted chicken or grilled fish
   

2004 Winter Commencement

• December 18, 2004: University of Maryland campus wide commencement; 7 p.m., Comcast Center
• December 19, 2004: Smith School of Business commencement; 10 a.m., Cole Field House. Reception for graduate students to follow in Van Munching Hall.

Entrepreneurship Networking Reception

Mark Ordan, the founder of Fresh Fields and new CEO of Sutton Place Gourmet, will address the challenges in the retail sales food industry and the opportunities of moving a company from start-up to the next phase.

RSVP at: http://www.rhsmith.umd.edu/alumni/calendar.html.

Mayer Fund Luncheon - FT First-Year MBA Students

This year's team members will be available to answer any questions you might have regarding their experiences on the Fund, the application process, etc. A more formal presentation will take place in December, at which time the application deadlines will be announced, but Tuesday's luncheon will be a great opportunity to mingle with Fund members and learn more about what they actually do.