Author: Paige Rost

Donut tasting and panel? Donut mind if I do!

Cleveland is in the midst of a food renaissance and revolution. People are constantly seeking out new restaurants that fit their lifestyle. One of the newer trends in Cleveland is the donut craze.

Engage! Cleveland organized a donut tasting panel during Young Professionals Week June 27, featuring five donut shops located in or near Cleveland. Big Mouth Donuts hosted this popular event that had me thinking, “Donut mind if I do!”

The event featured:

Engage! Cleveland serves as a hub for young professionals in Cleveland to connect and share their stories through organized events such as the donut tasting and panel. The purpose of Young Professionals Week is to allow the city’s young and working adults to explore what Cleveland has to offer and network with community leaders.

Each shop has its own unique story, but there was one thing they all have in common – a love for donuts. Donuts are literally life for these business owners. They are the first and last thing they think about each day. These shop owners recognize that Cleveland is changing and people are looking to explore the city now more than ever before. They see the value of walking into a donut shop and the joy of choosing their very own donut.

Katie Flesher from Peace, Love, & Little Donuts sees that the demand for donuts has expanded outside of breakfast to all times of the day. People walk in during the morning through late hours of the evening asking for donuts. She mentioned how adults are turning to donuts at their wedding rather than more traditional desserts, such as cakes or cupcakes.

Brewnuts dove even deeper into the trends of Clevelanders by incorporating beer into their customers’ donut experience. At Brewnuts, you can order a beer or a cocktail to enjoy with your treat. Some of the donuts even have beer in the batter. This business took two things that Cleveland loves and combined them to create a popular destination for young adults. Taking risks and jumping into a new market like Brewnuts owner Shelley Pippin, ultimately led to her success. Pippin expresses how she feels about her customers choosing to visit Brewnuts in their free time:

Shelley Pippin, owner of Brewnuts
Image by NCM Staff

“I feel honored every time customers walk in the door. That’s their discretionary income, their discretionary time. There’s only a few decisions we get to make for fun each week, so each time they spend their one weekend decision with us, I’m honored.” – Shelley Pippin, owner of Brewnuts

Donuts offered at these five locations may be slightly more expensive than those from Dunkin’ Donuts. The higher prices are part of a greater experience than just zipping in a drive-thru and grabbing a bag from a stranger. The shop owners pride themselves on engaging with their customers and creating lasting relationships.

Young Professionals Weeks’ donut tasting panel provided a “sweet” night out and drew participants closer to their city’s own community of young professionals. The attendees walked away feeling inspired to develop their professional career in Cleveland — and a few extra donuts to share.

 

PB&J Donut at Young Professional's Week event
Image by Paige Rost

 

How to intern like a boss

By Paige Rost, content marketing intern

Being an intern can be stressful and intimidating. For many, an internship is the first real world work experience they take on, often with limited knowledge of what the job actually entails. It’s also when you find out the lessons you were taught in the classroom are not even close to what you will be asked to perform at the internship.

No need to worry, though, because with the right skills, the internship can be an experience of growth and achievement.

Here are four tips to help you intern like a boss.

1. Remember you are an intern. One of the most important things to remember as an intern is that you’re just that, an intern. Your primary job is to complete tasks with enthusiasm while asking questions along the way. Check in with your supervisor to make sure each project is being done the way they want it done, not how you think it should be done. Every company has standards and policies they abide by, which you might not be fully aware of. Assuming your way is right is never the answer.

2. Dress to impress. You’ve heard it before — and for good reason. Showing up each day prim and proper, just like the CEO would, will make you appear more competent and prepared. There is a way to show your style and personality through your clothes and appearance while keeping it professional. Making sure your shirt is all the way tucked in and your belt matches your shoes are simple ways to make you appear more professional. Always follow the dress code in the same manner as the employees — even though you’re an intern.

3. Be on time. Strolling into the office 15 minutes late may not seem like a deal breaker, but it can leave a bad impression. Best practice is to try and be there at the same time, if not before, everyone else arrives. If you’re sitting at your desk working away when your boss walks in, you appear to have a real interest in bettering yourself. Same rules apply for taking a lunch break. As an intern, it’s best not to walk out and disappear for an hour each day. Try to bring a lunch and snacks so you do not feel tempted to disappear for extended amounts of time.

4. Control your body language. Being aware of your body language is key. If it’s not controlled, your body language could project a message of its own that is the complete opposite of your words. Always make sure your body and verbal responses agree so that you don’t send mixes messages to your superior. You can also control your body language to show the office you are alert, aware and ready to work. Fidgeting your hands during a meeting or shaking your leg may make you appear antsy or nervous. Try to stay still and be attentive to the speaker. These gestures will also help you seem more mature and experienced, even if you’re still in college.

Applying these basic skills and tools will help you blend in — in a good way — so that your work achievements stand out and you’re remembered as more than “that one summer intern.”


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