Collection of work in Business Communication (COMM 100)

1. Joloraine Naeg
Personal Portfolio
A collection of my work in Business Communication
COMM 100
Tutorial T-26
Michael Milo

2. List of Contents
Memo-report to tutorial leader
Direct Request Letter
Revised document
Memo-report on Industry Analysis
Revised document
Targeted Cover Letter and Résumé
Revised document

3. 306 Business Place Saskatoon SK S7M 5N1 Tel: 306-664-4060
To: Michael Milo
From: Joloraine Naeg
Date: March 16, 2011
Subject: My Success in Business Communication
Progress
In today’s business environment, effective oral and written communication is essential.
Through the lectures and tutorials, the instructors provided valuable guidance when writing
reports, letters, and memos. Business Communication has given me the opportunity to refine
these skills for my future work in university and in my career. Comm 100 has provided valuable
feedback on five critical elements of written communication which include: document design,
argument, organization, language and tone, and mechanics.
Strengths and Challenges
Throughout the tutorials, I learned that document organization and argument play a key role in
the finished document. My improvements are clearly evident in the work I have completed in
Comm 100. The biggest change can be seen in the way I organize my assignments and how I use
evident to support claims and the purpose of the assignment. In my first drafts I did not pay as
much attention to structure and organization. Revision of my industry analysis showed how my
writing has a more clear and concise structure that clarifies my ideas more effectively.
Evaluation of my request letter let me evaluate the language and mechanics I use in my writing.
Through lectures and class assignments I have learned proper writing formats and the
situations to which they can be applied to. Although I have improved in many ways many things
continue to challenge my writing skills. I need to continue to strive for a more clear and concise
style of writing. This will allow me to communicate more effectively regardless of the challenges
I may face in my future writing.
Conclusion
Business Communication has taught me that effect written communication strengthens the
credibility of the writer, which in turn, will help my future career as a business person. All of my
assignments have been improved by completing this portfolio, but I am most confident in my
request letter and my industry analysis memo report. I feel that these represent the knowledge
I have gained in this class effectively. I enjoyed the work in this class very much because I
gained important skills that will help me in my communication skills. I would like to thank you
for the opportunity to learn from your knowledge and real world experience. I hope you will
enjoy taking a look at the progression this course has made possible by viewing the rest of my
portfolio.

4. 306 Business Place Saskatoon SK S7M 5N1 Tel: 306-664-4060
March 16, 2011
Lorraine Rodgers
House Manager
Ronald McDonald House
1011 University Drive
Saskatoon, SK S7N 0K4
Dear Mrs. Rodgers:
SK COMM consists of five undergraduate students from the Edwards School of Business. We are
beginning a project for our Business Communications class that requires us to research the effectiveness
of a local businesses external communications strategy and ways in which we can improve them.
SK COMM exclusively offers its services to non-profit organizations. Ronald McDonald House’s mandate
of providing families with sick children “a-home-away-from-home” is a cause we strongly support. We
believe the Ronald McDonald House is not fulfilling its resources and we seek to assist you in creating
more awareness and support. Using the services that SK COMM provides, the Ronald McDonald House
will benefit from attracting new sponsors, more fundraising, and gaining more donations.
We request the following information that would aid us in the completion of our project:
 Samples of current advertisements, publications, brochures
 Advertising campaign information and any comments regarding their effectiveness that
you can provide
Through the completion of this assignment we hope to achieve a better understanding your
communication strategies. We will spend the next two months evaluating your external communication
methods using our newly developed skills to create an understanding of your company, industry, and its
everyday challenges. By allowing us to investigate your external communication strategy, you have the
chance to see a different perspective on your decisions involving communication issues. SK COMM
believes that it will be a beneficial learning experience for both parties, and we hope that you will take
the opportunity to work with our communications consulting group.
You may submit the requested information by email to the SK COMM group (jdn863@mail.usask.ca) or
through the mail. We require these documents by February 2, 2011 to ensure enough time will be
available to complete the project. Our project will be completed and finalized on March 23, 2011. If
there are any additional documents than those mentions above, which you think might be helpful,
please feel free to suggest. Contact us if you have any questions or concerns.
Thank you for your time and assistance.
Joloraine Naeg
Edwards School of Business Undergraduate

5. 306 Business Place Saskatoon SK S7M 5N1 Tel: 306-664-4060
To: Michael Milo, Tutorial Leader
From: Joloraine Naeg, Consultant for SK COMM
Date: March 16, 2011
Subject: Analysis on Sporting Goods Retail Industry
The sporting goods retail industry remains highly competitive. Every company attempts to keep up with
a country’s rapidly changing economy and consumer trends in order to stay competitive. By
understanding important issues and taking advantage of trends and opportunities in this industry,
Olympian Sports can improve the effectiveness of their external communications strategy. With SK
COMM’s services, Olympian Sports can improve in getting its message across in the following areas:
 Increase awareness and store presence in the community
 Further promote team services and customization
 Target a larger demographic
Issues for Sporting Goods Retail Stores
Mass merchandisers and department stores continue to be a threat for local sporting goods stores. Due
to their size and buying power, they are able to offer a variety of merchandise at lower prices in high
volumes. Major competitors like Wal-Mart and SportChek put further pressure on small specialty stores.
In a recent survey in Winnipeg, customers find a bigger store is not always better. Consumer
expenditure is changing and time becomes more of a valuable factor (McNeill, 2010). Specialty stores do
not get large amount of merchandise with big discounts from suppliers as mass merchandisers do, but
they can adopt various techniques that will allow them to differentiate their business such as offer
customization on the products, and focus on non-pricing strategies like quality and customer service.
Trends and Opportunities
In Canada, the popularity of sports increases the demand for a wide range of sporting activities.
According to Cole (2005), “there is a growing influence and appetite for sport by our society.” Team
sports like football and hockey play an integral part of the nation’s culture. As more athletes receive
endorsement deals, sporting goods retail stores can take full advantage of this by offering high quality
products that are already heavily-marketed by Nike or Reebok. To gain more of a competitive edge,
Olympian Sports ought to put more emphasis on their customization and team services. This will build
traffic to Olympian Sports and appeal to a larger demographic.
Mass merchandisers and department stores often lack quality customer service and additional repair
services for sports equipment. Olympian Sports can take advantage of this by providing in-depth
equipment knowledge and provide fast and accurate repair services. In a survey of 1,021 Canadian
customers conducted by Keenan (2008), 95% agreed that their experiences with customer service can
make or break a relationship with a particular company. Great customer service will enable Olympian
Sports to increase their presence in the community as positive comments are easily spread throughout
the community. Taking advantage of current trends and opportunities will prove to be beneficial and
profitable to individual companies, like Olympian Sports, in the sporting goods retail industry.

6. References
Cole, M. (2005). A 'SPORTS CENTER' UNIVERSE: Invigorates apparel world. Apparel, 46(8), 22. Retrieved from
http://search.proquest.com/docview/210941339?accountid=14739
Keenan, R. (2008, October). How Can You Drive A Customer Crazy?. Canadian Retailer. Retrieved January 23,
2011, from http://www.thatscustomerfocus.com/drive_a_customer_crazy.html
McNeill, M. (2010, November 22). Good things in smaller packages – Winnipeg retailers find a bigger store
isn’t always better. Winnipeg Free Press. Retrieved from www.winnipegfreepress.com

7. Joloraine Naeg
365 Johnson Crescent
Saskatoon, SK S7L 5P8
Res: (306) 382-4637
Cell: (306) 880-0803
joloraine.naeg@usask.ca
March 2, 2011
Lacey Canham
Administrator – Selection & Staffing
Human Resources
SaskTel
2121 Sask Drive, Main Fl
Saskatoon, SK S4P 3Y2
Subject: 2011 SaskTel Summer Employment Program
Dear Ms. Canham:
I would like to offer my gratitude for presenting me the 2010 SaskTel Scholarship which has
allowed me to focus on my undergraduate studies and my future. I would also like to thank you
for providing me the opportunity to apply for the SaskTel Summer Employment Program. I wish
to apply for the customer service position advertised on the SaskTel website on March 1, 2011.
I feel that I have significant skills and qualifications to offer.
For instance:
 SaskTel’s values honesty, integrity, and respect. Being a full-time university student while
having a part-time job has developed my ability to undertake various responsibilities,
strengthened my commitment to future endeavours, and has allowed me to take pride in the
work and the decisions I make.
 SaskTel can benefit from the skills I have acquired through volunteerism such as leadership
skills, teamwork and communication skills. These skills can translate with SaskTel’s efforts
in creating lasting relationships with Saskatchewan based organizations and events that
SaskTel supports.
 SaskTel can take advantage of the experience I gained working in the retail industry which
can contribute to its mission of providing the best customer experience through superior
networks and exceptional service.
I am confident that Value Village, my education and volunteer efforts has provided me with
enough knowledge to qualify me for this position. I would enjoy talking with you about how I can
put my skills and abilities to better use for SaskTel, its customers and employees. I look forward
to hearing from you so that we may schedule an interview.
Sincerely,
Joloraine Naeg
Resume Enclosed

8. Res: 306-382-4637
Cell: 306-880-0803
Joloraine Naeg joloraine.naeg@usask.ca
365 Johnson Crescent
Saskatoon, SK S7L 5P8
JOB TARGET
To practically apply my education and gain valuable experience working at SaskTel as a summer student.
CAPABILITIES
 Able to multitask
 Commit to responsibilities
 Detail-oriented
 Goal driven
 Self-motivator
 Organization skills
 Team player
 Leadership and communication skills
 Fluent in English and French, some Filipino and Spanish
ACHIEVEMENTS
 Developed social justice initiatives
 Organized group meetings and took on leadership roles
 Demonstrated motivation and teamwork through volunteerism
 Managed both a part-time job will attending university as a full-time student
 Strengthened communication skills through Value Village customer service
EDUCATION
University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK Present
1st year undergraduate student at Edwards School of Business
 Working toward four year accounting degree
Bethlehem Catholic High School, Saskatoon, SK 2010
High School Diploma
 Principals Honour Roll 2009 & 2010
 Completed French Bilingual Program
WORK EXPERIENCE
VALUE VILLAGE, Saskatoon, SK S7K 1T8 July 2007 - Present
Sales Associate
 Provided a friendly and helpful service to customers
 Responsibilities consisted of cash handling and organization of sales floor

9. ACTIVITIES
JDC West January 2011
Events Volunteer
 Assisted in ensuring business competition runs efficiently
 Arranged setup for opening ceremonies
 Coordinated backstage operations for Shakespeare event
St. Gerard School May 2010
Family Fun Night Volunteer
 Managed various stations
 Assisted families in various workshops
Social Justice Committee 2008-2010
Bethlehem Catholic High School
 Established school initiatives that help make a difference in the
community and around the world
Salvation Army December 2009
Saskatoon City’s Christmas Dinner Volunteer
 Helped setup venue at White Buffalo Lodge
 Served food and drinks
Prairie Springs Care Homes April 2009
Assistant Volunteer
 Cleaned care home
 Prepared and served food and drinks
 Engaged in social and recreational activities with residents
Saskatoon Food Bank & Learning Center May 2009
Saskatoon’s City Wide Food Drive Volunteer
 Worked in a group setting
 Collected and sorted donations
 Motivated team members to actively participate
 Provided team with positive energy
HONOURS & AWARDS
Principal’s Honour Roll, 2009 & 2010
SaskTel Scholarship, November 2010
Norman MacLeod Reid Entrance Scholarship, November 2010
Social Justice Scholarship, June 2010
Subject Award: French Immersion & Christian Ethics, June 2010

10. REFERENCES
Dominique B oks howan
French Immersion Teacher
Bethlehem Catholic High School
110 Bowlt Crescent
Saskatoon, SK S7M 0L1
Bus: (306) 659 -8101
Res: (306) 384 -0480
Tammy Klassen
Retail Sales Manager
Value Village
2115 Faithfull Avenue
Saskatoon, SK S7K 1T8
Bus: (306) 668 -6161
Res: (306) 683 -0368
Editha Der ksen
Nurse
Royal University Hospital
103 Hospital Drive
Saskatoon, SK S7 N 0W8
Bus: (306) 655 -1000
Res: (306) 931 -4613