Entrepreneurship Students Take Valentine's Day Challenge
Video by Lauren Alvarez
Last Wednesday, USC students in the Fundamentals of Entrepreneurship class in the Marshall School of Business were told they had just four hours and twenty dollars to execute a project with a profit yield.
With Valentine's Day rapidly approaching, many students decided it would be best to peg their project to the upcoming holiday. They also agreed that the proceeds from the profit will go to charity, an integral part of their marketing strategy.
USC student Chen Chao said that his group decided to produce a package for $10, consisting of a Sprinkles cupcake, a rose and a note. The packages will be delivered to his or her significant other on Valentine's Day.
Across Trousdale, another group from Business Entrepreneurship 450 holds up a "Love Board" covered in love notes.
Freshman Alyssa Brita explained that for just a dollar, you get a cookie and the opportunity to write a love note to your significant other. The notes are written on pink index cards and hung on a board on Trousdale, until they are delivered Thursday.
A member of the group, Aaron Lawton, said that "the most difficult part of the project was the time and money constraint."
Brita added that "getting the word out" without any sales experience presented a challenge, but that she produced and hung up flyers in dorm bathrooms to publicize the competition.
Despite the final profit yield, the groups agreed that this project has reinforced the importance of time management and effective marketing skills.
