Week 3 Discussion MGMT
1. Describe the personality characteristics that Renee Albertelli and Richard Rodriguez have that should help them navigate the difficulties of starting a business.
a. Both persons have a level of maturity garnered from work, life and education that allow them to make reasoned decisions.
b. Both see a socially responsible cause they feel passionately about, and correctly identified a market that would feel as passionate as they do.
c. From the text, commitment and determination are applicable, as both invested their retirements in an all or nothing gamble, and then sought additional funding to continue.
d. Leadership as well; it takes a strong, goal oriented person to even begin this process. Both whipped themselves into a frenzy of organization, reaching out to prospective buyers and the artisans themselves to coordinate the project.
e. The other traits of Opportunity Obsession, Creativity, Self Reliance, Ability to Adapt and the Motivation to Excel are all present and self-evident. It takes all of these traits, plus those I have already mentioned, for them to achieve as much as they have, and will require it to continue success.
2. Rodrigues and Albertelli decided to focus their marketing efforts on the artisans who make the shoes. Do you think this is a wise decision? Why or why not.
This is a definite case of “The proof is in the pudding,” so to speak. The business is successful, therefore the marketing decision was wise. Why it is successful requires and understanding of the value placed on such merchandise. As Rodriguez worked within the fashion industry, he no doubt came into contact with products with similar marketing strategies. The use of natural materials, eco friendly manufacturing processes, and “fair trade” products has grown over the last several years. Even different, but not entirely unrelated, topics such as Conflict Diamonds have raised public awareness and created a sense of moral ambiguity many are uncomfortable with. This marketing
a. Both persons have a level of maturity garnered from work, life and education that allow them to make reasoned decisions.
b. Both see a socially responsible cause they feel passionately about, and correctly identified a market that would feel as passionate as they do.
c. From the text, commitment and determination are applicable, as both invested their retirements in an all or nothing gamble, and then sought additional funding to continue.
d. Leadership as well; it takes a strong, goal oriented person to even begin this process. Both whipped themselves into a frenzy of organization, reaching out to prospective buyers and the artisans themselves to coordinate the project.
e. The other traits of Opportunity Obsession, Creativity, Self Reliance, Ability to Adapt and the Motivation to Excel are all present and self-evident. It takes all of these traits, plus those I have already mentioned, for them to achieve as much as they have, and will require it to continue success.
2. Rodrigues and Albertelli decided to focus their marketing efforts on the artisans who make the shoes. Do you think this is a wise decision? Why or why not.
This is a definite case of “The proof is in the pudding,” so to speak. The business is successful, therefore the marketing decision was wise. Why it is successful requires and understanding of the value placed on such merchandise. As Rodriguez worked within the fashion industry, he no doubt came into contact with products with similar marketing strategies. The use of natural materials, eco friendly manufacturing processes, and “fair trade” products has grown over the last several years. Even different, but not entirely unrelated, topics such as Conflict Diamonds have raised public awareness and created a sense of moral ambiguity many are uncomfortable with. This marketing