Anything you can do…I can do better I want to test your natural marketing senses… Don’t worry this will be TOTALLY fun and entertaining.

Here is the scope:

This will be a two-day project that WILL be for a grade. I want you to work your hardest to make this a successful marketing project. There is not a wrong way to complete the task…but if you choose to slack, be lazy, and turn in poorly completed work then it will be obvious, disappointing and your participation grade will suffer the consequence.

Now that we got that out of the way I want you to be ultra creative. There will be several phases over the two day process. Use good time management and be sure to impress me!

PHASE ONE—Brainstorming  Take a current product that is being sold at WalMart (it can be anything that is school appropriate! A lawnmower, lipstick, lollipops, Star Wars figurines etc.) and simply make it better. It has to be realistic and still be desirable to the WalMart clientele.  Please write down ALL of your brainstorming ideas to turn in to me.  HINT: a great brainstorming session is at least 25 minutes and covers every thought you have until the right one comes along.

PHASE TWO – Diagram of your new idea  Once you have selected the best possible transformation for your product I want you to draw the old product and the NEW and IMPROVED product.  Be sure to highlight and label the differences

PHASE THREE – List any and all the changes to your product  Price Change  Did the size change?  Did the demographic change? (Ex: from kids to adult use?)  Easier to use? Better technology? New shape or texture?  COVER EVERYTHING PHASE FOUR – You’re brilliant, now clearly we need to get the word out about your new product  Create a Radio Promo -- A radio promo could be the icing on your advertising campaign! A promo might include facts about the usefulness of the invention, a clever jingle or song, sound effects, humor...the possibilities are endless.  This part is crucial. You could have the best idea but without a creative promotional plan you may not be able to sell your product.  Will you be doing this radio promotion in front of the class? Um yes. Pressure is on to both sell your product and catch the attention of your customer (ME.)  Be sure to PRACTICE! Please be ready to deliver your 30 second radio spot to class very soon.

PHASE FIVE – WHY?  Are you sure people really want to buy your changed product? Please give me a half page explanation of why you think this will be a popular item. Why will it sell in stores? Do people really NEED this or just WANT it? Is it really better than the original product? Why? Why? Why?

GRADING RUBRIC (You may work individually or with ONE partner)

Project = 250 points (50 points each phase) 1. Brainstorming Ideas – written or typed (Need at least 10 ideas) 2. Diagram – OLD product and NEW/IMPROVED (label differences) 3. Typed Paragraph on all the changes to the product and WHY?? 4. Typed 30 second Radio Promo 5. At least ½ page typed explanation? (Be thorough and explain EVERYTHING!) I need to understand your thought process. Updated: August 2016