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Sam Hong, the owner of Nutra-Planet, is a highly respected and hardworking individual who generously shared valuable advice with me during our meeting. Nutra-Planet, an online supplement store, has experienced significant growth in recent years. My interaction with Mr. Hong lasted approximately twenty minutes, during which we delved into various topics such as the educational requirements for working in his industry, the work environment at Nutra-Planet, essential skills for success, and much more.
I specifically sought out Mr. Hong for this interview due to my longstanding patronage of Nutra-Planet and the convenience of its warehouse/office being located in my hometown.
Mr. Hong exuded politeness and expressed his genuine enjoyment in imparting knowledge to others. Our meeting took place at his primary office, and I made sure to dress in business casual attire. The insights I gained from our conversation provided me with a wealth of knowledge about entrepreneurship and offered me a glimpse into the responsibilities associated with owning and operating a retail store.
Education Needed
My initial inquiry to Mr.
Hong pertained to the educational background necessary not only for employment within his establishment but also for the potential for career advancement.
He emphasized the importance of possessing a comprehensive understanding of both the business management and supplement knowledge aspects of the industry. To excel in this field, he recommended pursuing opportunities within major supplement chains like Nutra-Planet that offer avenues for growth. As a current marketing major, Mr. Hong assured me that my academic background would serve me well in the future, particularly in understanding the business operations required for daily management.
Job Setting
When discussing the work environment at Nutra-Planet, Mr.
Hong underscored his primary objective of ensuring a positive and enjoyable experience for customers.
He emphasized the significance of creating a welcoming atmosphere, both in the physical store and online platform, to encourage repeat business and positive word-of-mouth referrals. Central to this objective is a knowledgeable and friendly staff who prioritize customer satisfaction. Mr. Hong highlighted the importance of interpersonal skills and a personable demeanor in fostering strong customer relationships.
Required Skills
In response to my query about the essential skills for advancing to upper-level positions within his business, Mr. Hong delineated two distinct pathways: the business management track and the customer relations track. He stressed the importance of employees collaborating effectively with their colleagues, accepting feedback constructively, and demonstrating strong interpersonal skills. While expertise in supplements is a prerequisite, Mr. Hong emphasized that "people" skills are paramount in his hiring decisions. The ability to engage with customers, build rapport, and convey expertise in the supplement industry are critical attributes he seeks in prospective employees.
Conclusion
The interview with Mr. Hong proved to be enlightening and enriching, as he generously shared his insights and advice. He emphasized the value of education and the importance of completing my degree to enhance future opportunities, including potential financial assistance through loans. Moving forward, I am eager to conduct more face-to-face interviews with industry professionals, as I believe in the immense value of firsthand interactions over online research.
Insights from Nutra-Planet: A Conversation with Owner Sam Hong. (2016, May 20). Retrieved from https://studymoose.com/informational-interview-essay
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