For my final presentation, I will be combining sales pitch tips with the four P's of marketing (price, promotion, product, place). By teaching the class the basic principles of marketing, I will be able to keep it entertaining. If the class hasn't taken any marketing or business classes at Station Camp, this will give them a good background of the marketing world.
A PowerPoint presentation and a handout will give the class an easy way to follow along while answering questions accurately. Taking an idea from a DECA project, I will be using candy to bribe the students into answering questions and staying involved.
Saying personal stories will mix it up and not make the final presentation feel boring and purposeless. it is extremely important to make the audience entertained while knowing the purpose of my project all in one. I hope to make them interested in joining a marketing class.
Friday, May 13, 2016
Wednesday, May 4, 2016
Sales Pitch 101
When coming up with a power point for my own lesson on a sales pitch, I had to research what 'technically' made a sales pitch effective, other than personal thoughts.
Before even going before the audience, the first hint I learned is to get to know the people you are trying to sell your idea or product to. Research their business, morals, and what exactly they are looking for - in the least creepy way possible. (Delivering)
Once in the actual meeting, using a "canned" sales pitch is the worst way to get a point across. A canned sales pitch is the most generic type any businessman could come up with. Using broad examples in a presentation makes the audience very disconnected to the new idea being proposed. (Delivering) Nowadays, a sales pitch is more than just throwing your ideas at the customer. It's more of a conversation for both sides to get to know each other more. It is very important to listen just as much as you introduce your own ideas. (How)
While speaking, it is very important to be personable and not sound like a robot. Learning this from first hand experience, while memorizing a speech it is very easy to start sounding like a robot, but that is when it goes downhill. Whether it's a judge, an audience, or a future business partner, it is extremely important to be personable and confident. (How)
While above are all tips on how to make a sales pitch more effective, there are some business 'sins' that can be made. Number one: It is important to stretch your ideas out, and not spill all of them at the beginning. If all of your main points are in the first minutes or seconds of a pitch, the last part of it will be weak and contain little meaning. Number two: Presentations that lack visuals make it very hard for the audience to concentrate. Without handouts of a computerized chart of some sort, staring at the same person for too long can cause people to zone out, making them maybe miss a very interesting point. Number three: Don't be overly nice. Yes, it is important to have manners, but don't make it fake. This is said to be one of the most unappealing things going into a sales pitch. (Markowitz)
I hope these few tips gave further knowledge about an essential business tactic.
"Delivering An Effective Sales Pitch." Effective Meetings. SMART Technologies, 2004. Web. 4 May 2016.
< http://www.effectivemeetings.com/presenting/delivery/sales.asp
"How to Make a Good Sales Pitch in 7 Steps." Salesforce Blog. Salesforce, 2000. Web. 04 May 2016.
< https://www.salesforce.com/blog/2014/02/how-to-make-good-sales-pitch.html
Markowitz, Eric. "7 Deadly Sins of a Sales Pitch." Inc Brand View. Inc, 4 May 2016. Web. 4 May 2016.
< http://www.inc.com/ss/7-deadly-sins-sales-pitching
Before even going before the audience, the first hint I learned is to get to know the people you are trying to sell your idea or product to. Research their business, morals, and what exactly they are looking for - in the least creepy way possible. (Delivering)
Once in the actual meeting, using a "canned" sales pitch is the worst way to get a point across. A canned sales pitch is the most generic type any businessman could come up with. Using broad examples in a presentation makes the audience very disconnected to the new idea being proposed. (Delivering) Nowadays, a sales pitch is more than just throwing your ideas at the customer. It's more of a conversation for both sides to get to know each other more. It is very important to listen just as much as you introduce your own ideas. (How)
While speaking, it is very important to be personable and not sound like a robot. Learning this from first hand experience, while memorizing a speech it is very easy to start sounding like a robot, but that is when it goes downhill. Whether it's a judge, an audience, or a future business partner, it is extremely important to be personable and confident. (How)
While above are all tips on how to make a sales pitch more effective, there are some business 'sins' that can be made. Number one: It is important to stretch your ideas out, and not spill all of them at the beginning. If all of your main points are in the first minutes or seconds of a pitch, the last part of it will be weak and contain little meaning. Number two: Presentations that lack visuals make it very hard for the audience to concentrate. Without handouts of a computerized chart of some sort, staring at the same person for too long can cause people to zone out, making them maybe miss a very interesting point. Number three: Don't be overly nice. Yes, it is important to have manners, but don't make it fake. This is said to be one of the most unappealing things going into a sales pitch. (Markowitz)
I hope these few tips gave further knowledge about an essential business tactic.
"Delivering An Effective Sales Pitch." Effective Meetings. SMART Technologies, 2004. Web. 4 May 2016.
< http://www.effectivemeetings.com/presenting/delivery/sales.asp
"How to Make a Good Sales Pitch in 7 Steps." Salesforce Blog. Salesforce, 2000. Web. 04 May 2016.
< https://www.salesforce.com/blog/2014/02/how-to-make-good-sales-pitch.html
Markowitz, Eric. "7 Deadly Sins of a Sales Pitch." Inc Brand View. Inc, 4 May 2016. Web. 4 May 2016.
< http://www.inc.com/ss/7-deadly-sins-sales-pitching
Wednesday, April 27, 2016
DECA Nationals 2016 Experience
Although I am opening my eyes into FBLA and other marketing aspects of high school, DECA has my heart. This past week, I competed at nationals with my partner, Reed Reynolds. After getting third place at DECA state, Reed and I improved our presentation and boards with the hope of winning at nationals.
This years nationals was held in Nashville, and while it was very close to home, it was still exciting to see 18,000 high school students in our city. Practicing is always a must when it comes to the presentation aspect of DECA, and at the national level, there is a new desire to win. Reed and I competed on Monday at 2:20. Up until that specific time, we were rehearsing lines, tone, and facial expressions. When walking into the new Music City Center and seeing your opponents, your adrenaline rises to an all time high.
The first presentation when well. There was little stuttering, and no lines missed. It could not have gone better. After that, Reed and I were hoping to make it to finals. The way the competition works is simple. The community service project category was divided in sections A-J with 17 groups in each section. Top 2 teams from each letter section advance to finals. Knowing this, Reed and I were very anxious to find out if we continues on in the competition.
Tuesday morning we attended the mini awards session, where students discover who advances onto the final round. That is when we were called on stage-Reed and I advanced onto the next round!
After that, we headed straight back into the competition, presenting our project to 2 new judges. This presentation we gave it our all, and came out feeling confident and nervous.
That night, the final awards were announced. Top 10 teams made it on stage, and top 3 get the glass. Sitting and waiting for 2 hours for our event to be called was the most nerve racking experience of my life. When community service was called, Reed and I were the LAST team called, making us have a mini heart attack.
We ran to the stage, only to discover that we won 3rd place in the entire competition. We were so excited and proud to discover that all of our hard work had paid off.
We could not have achieved this goal without the help of our marketing teachers, and everyone who donated to Inspiring to Include. DECA ICDC was one for the books.
This years nationals was held in Nashville, and while it was very close to home, it was still exciting to see 18,000 high school students in our city. Practicing is always a must when it comes to the presentation aspect of DECA, and at the national level, there is a new desire to win. Reed and I competed on Monday at 2:20. Up until that specific time, we were rehearsing lines, tone, and facial expressions. When walking into the new Music City Center and seeing your opponents, your adrenaline rises to an all time high.
The first presentation when well. There was little stuttering, and no lines missed. It could not have gone better. After that, Reed and I were hoping to make it to finals. The way the competition works is simple. The community service project category was divided in sections A-J with 17 groups in each section. Top 2 teams from each letter section advance to finals. Knowing this, Reed and I were very anxious to find out if we continues on in the competition.
Tuesday morning we attended the mini awards session, where students discover who advances onto the final round. That is when we were called on stage-Reed and I advanced onto the next round!
After that, we headed straight back into the competition, presenting our project to 2 new judges. This presentation we gave it our all, and came out feeling confident and nervous.
That night, the final awards were announced. Top 10 teams made it on stage, and top 3 get the glass. Sitting and waiting for 2 hours for our event to be called was the most nerve racking experience of my life. When community service was called, Reed and I were the LAST team called, making us have a mini heart attack.
We ran to the stage, only to discover that we won 3rd place in the entire competition. We were so excited and proud to discover that all of our hard work had paid off.
We could not have achieved this goal without the help of our marketing teachers, and everyone who donated to Inspiring to Include. DECA ICDC was one for the books.
Thursday, April 21, 2016
Creating a Lesson Plan
Getting ready for my final presentation, I brainstormed with Coach Yarbrough on what topic I should teach about. We discussed what topics would be easiest for students to grasp and learn the lesson effectively. Our final decision was to present the class with the topic of a sales pitch.
No matter how old you are, or how much business experience you have, everyone needs to have a basic background on how to sell an idea to an audience. A basic sales pitch can be achieved through a simple process, but you have to know how to SELL your information.
For the rest of our lives, students are going to run into people that disagree with them. Knowing how to respectively fight back their ideas by using the correct method and process, winning over an audience will become easier.
For my final presentation, I am planning on creating a list of tips and tricks on how to create the best sales pitch possible. Through a PowerPoint presentation and a handout, Mr. Dittes's class will become efficient in learning how to become a 'sales person'.
Although many students will not become sales people, learning how to give a sales pitch and tell others your facts and opinions will help everyone in life.
No matter how old you are, or how much business experience you have, everyone needs to have a basic background on how to sell an idea to an audience. A basic sales pitch can be achieved through a simple process, but you have to know how to SELL your information.
For the rest of our lives, students are going to run into people that disagree with them. Knowing how to respectively fight back their ideas by using the correct method and process, winning over an audience will become easier.
For my final presentation, I am planning on creating a list of tips and tricks on how to create the best sales pitch possible. Through a PowerPoint presentation and a handout, Mr. Dittes's class will become efficient in learning how to become a 'sales person'.
Although many students will not become sales people, learning how to give a sales pitch and tell others your facts and opinions will help everyone in life.
Friday, April 15, 2016
Cost of Living as a Marketing Teacher
When discussing a career path, the salary is among the top decision making factors. How much will I make? Will it be a comfortable living? Studies show that the United States is the 6th highest paying country for teachers. Making an average of $53,758 a year (The Countries).
Knowing this, becoming a business teacher is still appealing. In the future, with my husband making a similar wage, we will be able to live a comfortable life.
It is also a proven fact that teachers will further degrees get paid substantially more per year. As I have talked to teachers with a masters and doctorate degree, they say that they are able to provide their family with $4,000 to $7,500 more every year.
Knowing this fact, I will start looking into firther business degrees after a simple bachelor's in college. By starting off my career later, but with a deeper education background, that would make me more competitive in the teaching and marketing industry when I am older.
Knowing this, becoming a business teacher is still appealing. In the future, with my husband making a similar wage, we will be able to live a comfortable life.
It is also a proven fact that teachers will further degrees get paid substantially more per year. As I have talked to teachers with a masters and doctorate degree, they say that they are able to provide their family with $4,000 to $7,500 more every year.
Knowing this fact, I will start looking into firther business degrees after a simple bachelor's in college. By starting off my career later, but with a deeper education background, that would make me more competitive in the teaching and marketing industry when I am older.
"High School Business Teacher: Salary and Career Facts." U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2003. Web. 14 Apr. 2016. <http://learn.org/articles/High_School_Business_Teacher_Your_Salary_and_Career_Questions_Answered.html
"The Countries Where Teachers Get Paid The Most." Satista. N.p., n.d. Web. 15 Apr. 16.
<https://www.statista.com/chart/4087/the-countries-where-teachers-get-paid-the-most/
"The Countries Where Teachers Get Paid The Most." Satista. N.p., n.d. Web. 15 Apr. 16.
<https://www.statista.com/chart/4087/the-countries-where-teachers-get-paid-the-most/
Thursday, April 7, 2016
DECA State 2016 Experience
One of the most exciting parts in my marketing world is competing at DECA state every year. After a full semester of preparations, it makes or breaks your project. This year, I competed in the Community Service Project with my partner Reed Reynolds. Together we raised $10,909.37 for special needs playground equipment at two local elementary schools.
For our competition, we wrote a 30 page paper, and took part in a 15 minute presentation at the event. In total, we created 14 events with our start up non-profit titled "Inspiring to Include". We partnered with Burrus and Station Camp Elementary to raise over $5,000 as our biggest source of income. Besides our events, we received generous donations from community members and local businesses.
The actual competition factor went great. Reed and I rehearsed our presentation multiple times to prepare ourselves for the nerve racking event. In front of the judge, we kept our emotions under control and executed a performance better than our practices. It is personally one of the most exciting parts of being involved with high school DECA. Being able to be in charge of your own outcome makes it put all the pressure on yourself, but determination can make a huge difference. Being driven to make it to nationals is what kept me going through all of the frustrations that came along with the project.
In the end, Inspiring to Include placed 3rd in the state, losing 1st by 2 points. Reed and I will compete on April 22nd at the National DECA level, hoping to place top 20 in the world.
I hope hearing about the excitement of the DECA state competition makes more people join the amazing club.
Wednesday, March 9, 2016
Steps To Becoming A Business Teacher
Here are some helpful tips I found for those interested
in pursuing the profession of a business teacher!
Business teachers must be able to have a vast knowledge on business and marketing topics. From the four P's of marketing to accounting experience, teachers are there to help the students learn faster.
1. Finding the right college for you. The top colleges that I found regarding a business and marketing future can be found in my previous blog.
2. Discovering what specific minor you would like to specialize in (going along with a degree in teaching). Colleges can offer business programs from marketing operations management to labor relations. The most important choice is finding out which one is for you, and how to incorporate those interests into your teaching.
3. Taking the specified classes regarding your personal interests and needs in order to graduate with the recommendations that will make you sand apart from your peers (and soon to be job application competition).
4. To become more competitive in the highly growing field of teaching, a masters degree is received by over 25% of the career path takers, and gives you the edge that your possible future job competitors will not be able to compete with. (top colleges mentioned in previous blog).
5. Graduate and find the right school for you!! This will most likely involve taking part in an internship or being a substitute teacher, until the right job for you has been found.
As of right now, the average annual income for a business and marketing teacher (not specifying grade taught) is $52,000 with a 9% increase until 2022. With this outlook for increase, it is extremely important to make yourself stand out from the competition by exceeding expectations both in the classroom and with your background of business ethics knowledge.
Networking and communication skills are needed throughout the entire process of becoming a business teacher. Hope the tips I found helped!
"How to Become a Business Teacher: Career and Salary Information." Teacher Certification Degrees. Web. 09 Mar. 2016.
Tuesday, March 1, 2016
Local Colleges for a Business Future
For those looking to enter into the business world, starting off in the right place can make or break a career. This means researching the right college for your chosen profession during high school. Many colleges claim to be "the best" business school for you, but how do you trust a bias answer? High school students that are a part of clubs and organizations start receiving hundreds of emails in the junior year of high school. These personalized emails are meant to draw the student into the college by appealing to each student individually.
The top three business colleges in Tennessee include Vanderbilt University Owen Graduate School of Management, UT Knoxville Haslam College of Business, and University of Memphis Fogelman College of Business.
Vanderbilt's business program is not only considered to be one of the best, but also one of the most expensive. With a 41.3% acceptance rate, and an average of $100,089 tuition fee, getting into this program requires hard work and persistence. Saying this, it is not impossible for one to attend the Owen Graduate School. An undergrad's average GPA is a 3.3 at Vanderbilt University. They are also "smart ranked" #27, the highest in Tennessee.
With these three options available for those seeking a business future, Tennessee is a great place to start a life long career. Keep in mind, the tuition rates for all schools are subjected to change with increase in scholarships and housing options.
The top three business colleges in Tennessee include Vanderbilt University Owen Graduate School of Management, UT Knoxville Haslam College of Business, and University of Memphis Fogelman College of Business.
Vanderbilt's business program is not only considered to be one of the best, but also one of the most expensive. With a 41.3% acceptance rate, and an average of $100,089 tuition fee, getting into this program requires hard work and persistence. Saying this, it is not impossible for one to attend the Owen Graduate School. An undergrad's average GPA is a 3.3 at Vanderbilt University. They are also "smart ranked" #27, the highest in Tennessee.
The second highest ranking business school in Tennessee is the University of Knoxville Haslam College of Business. With a 73.8% acceptance rate, and a tuition of around $30,150, this option is more pleasing to the wallet. Along with the price drop, the "smart ranking" of the school lowers to #79. Below are some of the courses offered to receive an MBA from UTK.
The third highest ranking business school for Tennessee is the University of Memphis Fogelman College of Business. Although this is the third highest ranked for Tennessee, it severely lowers in the overall USA rankings down to #230. It has the lowest tuition of the three options, coming in at around $20,150. This price drop opens the school up to a much wider range of students. There is a 58% acceptance rate, and the college of business offers 6 different MBA programs. Below is a picture of the Fogelman business center.
"Best Graduate Business Schools (MBA)." Best Business School Programs (MBA). Web. 01 Mar. 2016.
Wednesday, February 24, 2016
FBLA vs. DECA
While in high school, many students become involved in various high school activities and clubs. Among these clubs are two business clubs students can participate in. For those looking for a marketing and/or business future, becoming involved in either FBLA or DECA can change students' viewpoints and goals for each semester in the classes. Although both have about the same background, the competitive events and lessons learned vary in some ways.
At Station Camp High School, both DECA and FBLA are classes offered. The difference between these two classes and the other business and marketing type classes offered is that both courses offer the chance to compete at a region, state and national level.
FBLA stands for Future Business Leaders of America. It is the largest career student organization in the World. Their mission statement is to bring business and education together in a positive working relationship through innovative leadership and career development programs. The Station Camp High School business and FBLA teacher, Molly Yarbrough says that FBLA is ¨An opportunity to network with other students, compete in region, state, and national competitions, earn scholarships and increase knowledge on leadership skills.¨ Coach Yarbrough also said that FBLA offers over 70 competitive events, including objective test, production test, role plays, interview events, speech events, presentation events, and pre-judged events." With all of these competitions offered, many students are able to excel and improve in the event that suits them the best overall.
DECA stands for Distributive Education Clubs of America. There are currently 215,000 members in DECA. With 3,500 high school chapters and 275 collegiate chapters, DECA has become vastly accepted from ages 14-22. There is no set mission statement, but DECA is said to "Prepare emerging leaders and entrepreneurs for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality and management in high schools and colleges around the globe. When asked to explain DECA in one sentence, the Station Camp DECA chapter advisor, Nicole Daniels, said that "An organization for marketing students that teaches entrepreneurship, business, and marketing strategies." Her words and the words on the national DECA website are almost identical. This truly exemplifies how DECA can change a student's perspective on the business world, and the organization is truly worth the work. Competition has many different categories a student can become a part of. From role plays to community service projects, competition is said to be one of the most exciting parts of the DECA experience. 54 competitive events are offered in this club, and the events go into more detail each semester.
FBLA and DECA are very similar in so many ways. Honestly, the amount of participation and popularity of each club varies from school to school. There is no way of saying what club prepares a student better for their future in business, but you could say that being a part of either one does wonders for a student's outlook on the marketing and business world. FBLA has more competitive events than DECA, but DECA's events go more in depth. With all of this in mind, both expand a student's mind in teaching them vital communication and time management skills, which is the most important aspects in the business industry.
"DECA Inc. - DECA Inc." DECA Inc. Web. 25 Feb. 2016.
"GEICO." Future Business Leaders of America-Phi Beta Lambda. Web. 25 Feb. 2016.
At Station Camp High School, both DECA and FBLA are classes offered. The difference between these two classes and the other business and marketing type classes offered is that both courses offer the chance to compete at a region, state and national level.
FBLA stands for Future Business Leaders of America. It is the largest career student organization in the World. Their mission statement is to bring business and education together in a positive working relationship through innovative leadership and career development programs. The Station Camp High School business and FBLA teacher, Molly Yarbrough says that FBLA is ¨An opportunity to network with other students, compete in region, state, and national competitions, earn scholarships and increase knowledge on leadership skills.¨ Coach Yarbrough also said that FBLA offers over 70 competitive events, including objective test, production test, role plays, interview events, speech events, presentation events, and pre-judged events." With all of these competitions offered, many students are able to excel and improve in the event that suits them the best overall.
DECA stands for Distributive Education Clubs of America. There are currently 215,000 members in DECA. With 3,500 high school chapters and 275 collegiate chapters, DECA has become vastly accepted from ages 14-22. There is no set mission statement, but DECA is said to "Prepare emerging leaders and entrepreneurs for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality and management in high schools and colleges around the globe. When asked to explain DECA in one sentence, the Station Camp DECA chapter advisor, Nicole Daniels, said that "An organization for marketing students that teaches entrepreneurship, business, and marketing strategies." Her words and the words on the national DECA website are almost identical. This truly exemplifies how DECA can change a student's perspective on the business world, and the organization is truly worth the work. Competition has many different categories a student can become a part of. From role plays to community service projects, competition is said to be one of the most exciting parts of the DECA experience. 54 competitive events are offered in this club, and the events go into more detail each semester.
FBLA and DECA are very similar in so many ways. Honestly, the amount of participation and popularity of each club varies from school to school. There is no way of saying what club prepares a student better for their future in business, but you could say that being a part of either one does wonders for a student's outlook on the marketing and business world. FBLA has more competitive events than DECA, but DECA's events go more in depth. With all of this in mind, both expand a student's mind in teaching them vital communication and time management skills, which is the most important aspects in the business industry.
Reed and Lydia at the final event community service project event, Pancakes for Playgrounds. At this event $1,445 was raised for special needs playground equipment for two local elementary schools.
The Station Camp FBLA chapter in 2011.
"GEICO." Future Business Leaders of America-Phi Beta Lambda. Web. 25 Feb. 2016.
Friday, February 12, 2016
Exploring the World of Business
Topic
While deciding what I wanted my career path to be, I was inspired by my parents. Growing up with my parents owning their own business, I was surrounded by "business lingo" and discovered the complications of communication early on in my childhood. By being surrounded by two business majors, I quickly learned that it is naturally something I have always wanted to become a part of. Throughout school, I have always had the mindset that business and marketing is something I want to become a part of due to the success of my parents. Going to business meetings, and filing paperwork at their office taught me the dirty work of the job, but also how exciting it can become. Marketing is exciting to me because I am able to talk to others, and create new relationships with businesses and people that were not existent before.
Evidence
During my 20% project, I am looking to explore a new aspect of the business path: teaching. My journey is partnered with the help of Coach Yarbrough's Principles of Business class. Through being a part of her class every Friday, and discovering the background work that goes on with her lesson planning and teaching skills, I will hopefully learn if business and marketing teaching is the right path for me. Although I have a background in the marketing world because of my involvement with DECA, I also want to learn about the other business program offered at Station Camp: FBLA. By learning about how the class works, I will also be able to give feedback about my DECA experiences, and hopefully be able to intrigue Coach Yarbrough's class to become involved in more. DECA has helped me create communication skills, and the basics of marketing so far. By taking on this 20% project task, I am hoping to further my knowledge.
Analysis
During this project, I will need to be prepared to open m mind up to new job paths. Although I am set on becoming a small business owner or being a sales and communications director of a larger corporation, being prepared to change a job path is a common event in college. By learning different areas in high school, I am going into college with a more focused goal. By doing this, I will be shortening my time tiptoeing around my career at the college level.
Meaning
As explained above, there are many aspects as to why I want to become Coach Yarbrough's TA. From learning about further business techniques and job paths to teaching classes and developing new communication skills, nothing but positive things will become the end result of this experience. Being able to incorporate my DECA project into this experience will also help my final presentation. At the end of this semester, I hope to present my project thoroughly to both Coach Yarbrough and Mr. Dittes
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