Session 5 Assmt: Reading – Susan Case

Susan Case Link

In addtion to the Essentials readings, use the Susan Case to try on financials in the real life of an entrepreneur.

READ:  The Susan Case and be prepared to discuss her three rules for financial management in class. 

BLOG ABOUT THIS: Glance up and down the sheets. What are the big numbers? What are the small numbers.  Speculate as to why for the top big and small number you find on each page and blog about it here.  Develop your own answers prior to looking at other responses.  Remember – we’re training your brain.

Session 5 Assmt: Peer Forum

5. Provide online feedback: Peer forum

Act as a peer mentor / forum member / personal board. Read the following two cases and provide advice to each on this post as a comment before the next class.  See GUIDELINES at bottom.

Betsy Case

Grace Case (Special Note: In addition to your general comments, Grace would like any experiences you feel would be relevant to a second semester senior. Remember – EXPERIENCES, not advice – as usual.)

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REMINDER TO ALL WEL STUDENTS:

1.  Place the words “Student case” before your tagline ( www.HotMommasProject.org. Login and go to “my cases” and click “edit” if you have not done this. The tagline can be changed in step 3.)

2.  If you do not want this case to come up in a search engine, or for other priacy reasons, REMOVE YOUR LAST NAME FROM YOUR CASE. This is up to you, but, please know this case is out there just like a blog.

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GUIDELINES FOR COMMENTING:

- If you have advice: Use “I” statements. Share experience, not advice. Your feedback should share similar experiences and what you did, not “you should” advice for the case protagonist. Share what you feel comfortable sharing.

- If you have comments in praise or how the case impacted you – feel free to share.

- Place the protagonist first name prior to your answer

- Type “WEL” in front of your first name in the name section of the comments form

- Give it some mental real estate

Peer cases for this week (recommendation – LOG IN FIRST):

Find on www.HotMommasProject.org case library or click on names below:
You can sort by “title” in the library which will order by author’s first name.

You will need to log in to see the entire case and benefit from the full features (appendix, discussion questions, Facebook links, etc.)

GW WEL Students: Type “WEL” followed by your first name in the name form. NOTE: If any information is confidential, let Prof Frey know and we will create a separate confidential blog.

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TO DO: PRESENTERS (i.e., Your case is being read/presented)

AFTER CLASS ON THURSDAY (all comments in), PLEASE REVIEW THE RESPONSES AND PREPARE A “PRESENTER SUMMARY” which is the following:

FORMAT: Title it “WEL – PRESENTER SUMMARY - YOUR FIRST NAME” All caps.

1. How did the forum’s (class) comments help you?

2. Any specific takeaways that stand-out?

3. Any action steps you will be taking as a result.?

Again, post it after class to ensure you are the LAST post.

Session 5 Assmt: Skill Building-Financial Literacy

1. Skill Building: Financial Literacy

INSTRUCTIONS:

Start early. There is a lot of ground to cover and it is CRITICAL that you understand financials.

READ: PPT

DO: Follow the PowerPoint and complete the exercises 1a, 1b, 2a, and 2b. As instructed in the Powerpoint – bring the requested one of these exercises to class to discuss with a study group that will be assigned. Use the links below.

Financial Module 1 _ PPT

Excel Sheet Referenced in PPT – EMAILED to you on Friday Feb 13

 

Session 5 Assmt: Market Analysis Plan Draft

1. Market Analysis  Plan Draft

CHANGE: DUE in class. I am giving you an extra day. 2 pg max. All else = appendix. Filter filter filter.

DIRECTIONS:
In a MAX of two pages, describe the following about your venture.  Use the below categories and don’t forget to include your name, date due,  and date turned in. BOLD THE HEADINGS in your plan.

CATEGORIES (as discussed in class and mentioned on last page of Session 5 PPT):

MARKET

1. General market: Size/trends

2. Target market

a. Description

b. Size

c. Characteristics: socio, psycho, demographic

COMPETITION

1. Name Direct specifically and Indirect generally
2. Distinctive Competencies of Direct Competitors

a. Brief summary of competitor products/ services

b. Specifically: why are they a threat

c. Your Strategic Differentiation: How are you different?

PLEASE STAPLE ANY 2 PAGE DOCS. THX.

Hint: Reference the class PPT  from Session 4 and 5 for specifics and ideas for visuals. Also reference the Market Research reading from Session 3.

Tip/STRONG RECOMMENDATION: GET IN FRONT OF THIS ASSIGNMENT. This section can make or break your plan. Start NOW so that you are not drowning by the time the financials section starts. Leave time to check other reports, call people, do surveys as we discussed and role-played in class.