I want to compete but I dont know what to do First. . . .

If you're absolutely new to competition and you want to get a taste of it here is just the tip of the iceberg on how to start off on the right foot.

1. set a few goals - what do you want to learn about?

a. Align your competition goals with your professional career goals. Have a business idea in mind? Learn about the entreprenuership category. Interested in becoming a sales manager? No better place to learn the skills than in Sales Representative or Sales Manager Meeting. You can check out http://www.deltaepsilonchi.org/compevents.html for a great tool to help you match your career to a competitive event.

2. research the categories within Delta Epsilon Chi competitive events.

a. which one matches with your style? Do you work well under pressure or need to be completely prepared and ready for the presentation. Look forward to another post to help you figure these out.

--Comp. Coach

A Product of an Association

Long about 2002 I started my trek into what I know now as the reason why I am where I am. I have told my DECA/Delta Epsilon Chi story a million times in places like state capitol buildings, school board meeting rooms, advisor luncheon meetings and across the lower 48 states in conference halls to my peers, potential members, prospective advisors, school admistrators and political representatives.

It is a story of aligning goals and achieving more than I'd ever dreamt possible. It is a story that gives clear advice about becoming active in DECA/Delta Epsilon Chi and challenging yourself with tough personal and professional goals. It is the story that is me, Stephanie Sandstrom.

I am a product of Delta Epsilon Chi at the college level and DECA at the high school level. I am a product of the offices I held within my chapter, state and national association. I am a product of the competitive events that I entered and failed. I am a product of the networking I was able to do through this international association of marketing and management students. I am a product of the career-oriented learning that I got to experience in the classroom for the first time instead of in the boardroom for the last time.

I am a product of the opportunities that I have made for myself through my active membership in DECA/Delta Epsilon Chi. Your story starts now: How are you a product of DECA/Delta Epsilon Chi?

:: Welcome to Competition 101 ::

In my efforts to help those who are interested in competing and winning I have developed this blog.

Here you'll find me doing my best to answer questions, give scenerios and serve as a virtual judge. I'll interview judges from around the country to see what they were looking for.

Please use this blog within your chapter, in your classrooms or just for yourself! I'm happy to let a few secrets of competition out to those who are willing to learn. I'll be mostly focusing on the business simulation and case study events but remember that you can incorporate the tips and hints into all categories of competition; Looking further down the road, you'll be able to use these in future interviews and career-world experiences!

Best of Luck,

Your Competition Coach