 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
TOM SJOBERG
Delta Epsilon Chi...Closing the Deal
A few years ago, I saw the first episode of The Apprentice by Donald Trump, and they were talking about the art of deal making. It brought to my mind Delta Epsilon Chi competitions because it was exactly the same thing that I was learning during my active years with Florida Delta Epsilon Chi through the Northwood University chapter. During the years, 1997-2001, I won several state competitions and two 1st –place awards in International competitions (Design Presentation, Louisville, Kentucky, 2000, and Entrepreneurship, Anaheim, California, 2001). I believe that the education that I got from Delta Epsilon Chi was a critical addition to education that I received from Northwood University because it gave me an opportunity to test the skills learned from books in real-life simulations (competitions). These experiences made me able to comprehend the most critical factors of business life. Moreover, I found that Northwood gave exceptional support to me and its Delta Epsilon Chi chapter. Today, I am Chief Operating Officer of an International Car rental company in Scandinavia. In my job, I have to negotiate daily with many business partners from all over the world, and I always bear in mind the words: “Remember to close the deal.” This has to be the most significant learning from the events because forgetting those words during a competition basically meant losing the game as it does in real world business situations. The events, also taught me the process of negotiating and understanding the background of a business situation. Moreover, I learned how critical it is to be able to make very fast decisions and calculated risks. If I would have to point out one of the most influential thing that helped me to advance in my career and educational life, I would have to say that I would not be “here” without all those competitive events and countless hours of preparing for them. Therefore, I can definitely say that words “where success begins” came alive for me and I am sure that they will also be true to anyone, who really gets involved with Florida’s Delta Epsilon Chi organization. Cordially, / Ystävällisin Terveisin  Mr. Tom M. Sjöberg, MBA Chief Operating Officer / Operatiivinen Johtaja Touring Cars Finland, Ltd the Winner of the Finnish Tourist Board 2004 quality competition the Winner of the Finnish Travel Industry's Innovation Award 2005 tom.sjoberg@touringcars.fi Skype user: tcftom Gsm. +358-40-708 3165 info@touringcars.fi www.touringcars.fi Lautamiehenpolku 14b, FI-00690 HELSINKI Tel. +358-9-870 1411 Fax. +358-9-821 339 |