According to the English dictionary, the word orientation has different connotations, but I choose - an adjustment or adaptation to a new environment, situation, custom, or set of ideas. .

     In my opinion, it is an impression, or a trial period to conforming adjustment, or adaptation to a new environment. However, people can assimilate to a new environment, but after considering first uncomfortable situation can reject the environment. 

     I did recall what the HR said, at my first day of orientation at previous job,"that the first initial step the newly hire must do is to adjust to the new environment and the rest will follow.” And he continued saying, “it is important that new employees learn right away what is expected of them.” And that saying is still true.

     Seasoned presenter can influence listeners by transmitting subliminal messages through word of mouth incantation expressed during orientation process. This can directly impact psychologically the sub-conscious mind of a person.  And can drastically change employees work behaviors, and attitudes. Also, management and HR act as role models to encourage and motivate employees to engage their full work potential, and thus can increase production. As a result, it can also boost employee morale, job satisfaction, growth, and enhance retention and low turnover. It makes a huge difference in a work place.

     The orientation was conducted by CEO, and Founder Albert R. Renteria, at Southwest Veterans Business Resource Center, (SWVBRC), Fallbrook, California. The theme was somewhat related to what I experienced at my previous work.

Mr. Albert R. Renteria, brought new important topics to the table….

     Aside from his warm welcome remarks; he did provide a 10-to-15 minutes snapshot about his life. Then he did introduce the "14 Step Program, " followed by the introduction of another "Business Model" concepts. And they are not in chronological order namely: "4-9 Options of Life, the Pie Factor. Three Pillars of E-Commerce, Tile-to-Carpet, Science of the Hunch, and Domain of the Brain." It caught my attention on "Three Business Pillars of E-Commerce model" which he discussed the interaction between Information, Relationships and Transaction." He explained that in order for a business to transpire, “there must be an open market and bond between Information, Relationships and Transaction to exist and establish connection to penetrate the existing market.” Also, he did mention the PIE Factor, which means Physical, Intellect, and Emotion. The rest of the business models I ponder along the way.

     Then he went on to elaborate on SWOT Analysis where businesses use it a lot as viable tool to audit an organization and its relation to environment. It is definitely a tool for marketing analyst to identify key market issues and plan business approach.

     By definition, SWOT stands for Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats. SWOT has two factors: Internal and External. Internal factors are strength and weaknesses. External factors are opportunities and threats. Examples of SWOT are; "Strength - new innovative products, or services. Weakness - poor quality of goods, or services. Opportunity - mergers, joint ventures on strategic alliances. And Threat - price wars with competitors." 

     And the most captivating topic of the orientation was learning SWVBRC’s, mission statement.  

     Like any other business, a "Mission Statement" tells a business what it does, and how it projects the image to the public. Also, it relates about their products and services. On the other hand, it is important for a business to have a "Vision Statement" as well. It entails future vision – “It describes the future situation that a company wishes to have, and the intent of the vision is to guide, to control, and to encourage the organization as a whole to reach the desirable state of the organization.”

     I did agree with Mr. Albert R. Renteria's point of view at the orientation. As a new learner, I gain valuable information that I can share with fellow learners and in addition, will keep in my tool box of knowledge. It was a time well spent.

     Lastly, Albert's biggest concern is finding ways to prevent future homeless veterans and eliminate homelessness among our veteran force.