Assignment 19A- Idea Napkin No.2

Assignment 19A- Idea Napkin No.2

1)    You. Who you are. What your talents are. What your skills and experiences are. Also: what are your aspirations? Specifically regarding your business concept, how do you see this business (if you were to start it) playing a role in your life?

a.     My name is Charles Lockwood, and after talking to five people who are very close to me I have noticed how emotionally empathetic I am towards even the smallest things. I have empathy for not only my fellow humans but I also feel so much for our planet and all of the creatures living on it, which is why I believe I have dedicated myself towards trying to save it. My other talent is communication, more specifically in conveying my opinion and passions in a way that makes others take interest. I have spent my life working for environmental organizations giving speeches and leading philanthropies in the hope that every time I do that one or two more people will join the cause or will at least tell their friends about it.

b.     If I was to start a business, specifically for something like a reusable straw phone case, it would be backed by my passion and drive alone. When I start something I will give it my all because I will never turn something in with my name on it without giving it hundred percent. I throw myself completely into things I truly care about which is why I think my passion and oratory skills would allow me to succeed.

2)    What are you offering to customers? Describe the product or service (in other words, how you'll solve customers' unmet needs). 

a.     While my product has not really changed, I think the way I will market the product to individuals and businesses as shifted just a little bit. For individuals I have always been marketing a product that allows them to stop using single use plastics, and allows them to start giving back to the greater good just a little bit more. The only difference in this approach is after working on this for half of the summer I have had a lot of conversations with people about how single-use plastic straws help those with disabilities because it is harder for them to find and keep reusable straws. Therefore, my motives have shifted from being a business focused on making a difference in just the realm of environmentalism but also in the realm of those with disabilities. So I have determined that I would take like the Toms approach where for every case sold I would donate a reusable straw to someone who relies on plastic straws. I think making this marketing decision will not only allow our company to truly spread environmentalism but it will also help a sector of people who are constantly marginalized.

b.    For businesses I am still marketing the product as a way that businesses can show that they are not only socially conscious to their customers but also to their employees. If and when businesses decide that they will invest in buying the product for their employees, it shows a level of responsibility and that even though they may not be an environmental organization that they still care.

3)     Who are you offering it to?

a.     This part has not really changed throughout the course of the semester other than the fact it has grown. Originally I only spoke on individuals I only included individuals who either cared deeply about the environmental already or young adults who are looking for an easy way to make a difference in the world. However, this sector has grown since doing more researching I have included those with disabilities both mental and physical who rely on straws. This sector is something I have often overlooked, and also a group of people I think environmentalists often just forget about. I would target this sector by using the same marketing techniques that Tom’s shoes use and would give out a straw case to someone who could normally not afford to have one for every unit sold.

4)    Why do they care? Your solution is only valuable insofar as customers believe its valuable to them. Here, explain why customers will actually pay you money to use your product or service. 

a.     These individuals care because they are either apart of the sector that cares deeply about the environment or a part of the sector that relies on straws as a way to drink. They would buy the product because it will be something that is fundamental to who they are or because they are trying to try something new.

5)    What are your core competencies? What sets you apart from everyone else? Also: what do you have that nobody else has? 

a.     What sets this product apart from everyone else is that there is nothing else in the market that fills this need. The carrying cases that are available are either bulky or are just little cloth cases that no one wants to carry around, therefore my product fills a hole in the market. This product allows people to not even have to worry about did I forget my straw at home or dang how will I clean this, it gives peace of mind.

-       I think that these elements work together in order to create a product/brand that is cohesive and actually makes a difference. With my own passion and drive being used in order to push forward my life dreams, I think this phone case will allow me to fulfill everything I have hoped for. I think that with a solid marketing strategy such as the ones described above this product could truly soar and make a difference.

-       The feedback I received included thinking about those who require straws for drinking but do not have access and thinking about how to safely clean. In order to put these ideas into my napkin I added those with disabilities as a sector that our marketing/product would focus on, also I have included making sure the straws all come with a small cleaning wand in order to make sure it is staying safe and clean.