Networkin g Academic Professional Personal Hazel

Networkin g ? Academic Professional Personal

Hazel Palmer +

Hazel Palmer +

Hazel SMARTCARDS Palmer Location Canada Mississauga, Ontario London, Ontario Education University of Western Ontario Richard Ivey School of Business Current Work Bank Current Work of Nova Scotia Accounting Analyst Bank of Nova Scotia Accounting Analyst Hazel’s Resume. pdf > Curriculum Vitae. docx > > Hazel’s Resume. pdf Hazel’s Publication > > +

PEST ANALYSIS Political o o Patents Canadian Innovation Commercialization Program Economic o The Canadian economy is going through a mid-cycle expansion Social o o Social responsibility Privacy Technological o Technological and mobile era

Company Analysis • Help professional students develop network and market value • Distribution channels: online, through societies or programs • Functional structure: different departments with specialized personnel report to CEO • Organic Structure: teamwork & brainstorm room • Mission: establish Smart. Cards as the leading networking tool in the Business and Management fields.

Company Analysis • Short-term goal: increase financing and market exposure to capture market share & compete for customers in 5 to 7 years • Strategy & tactics: differentiation & expand number of stores • Long-term goal: - develop current market by maintaining competitive advantage and customer loyalty in Canada & builds brand awareness by enter new markets in 8 to 12 years • Strategy & tactics: - New product lines - Attain foreign customer - Partnerships with foreign business schools

Value Proposition • For “students who intend to seek for careers and enhance job experience”, “Smart. Cards” is “an professional information integrated business card” that “offers essential information delivery to recruiters which allow you to network more efficiently” because “of its advanced Quick Response (QR) technology and secure storage of profile”.

SWOT-Strength&Weakness Strength • Innovation • Affordable price • Partnerships with universities in Ontario • High ROI and net NPV Weakness • Insufficient funds to execute marketing plans • Weak recognition • Inadequate resources & professional personnel • No patent

SWOT-Opportunities&Threats Opportunities • First-mover advantage • Large potential consumers • Build more distribution channels • Build strategic alliance Threats • No patent – imitation • Increasing competitors • New technology takes time to adjust in recruitment process

Customer Analysis Our segmentation mostly relies on two variables: Demographics • 18 -30 year old • University and college students Psychographics • Curiosity • Ambition

The buying process 1. Need recognition: need to connect effectively 2. Information search: websites, clubs, educational institutions 3. Evaluation of alternatives: Linked. In, traditional business cards 4. Purchase: online, post-secondary institutions’ clubs or societies 5. Post-purchase evaluation: website, FAQs

COMPETITION • No direct competition • Indirect Competitors: • Linked. In • Digital Business Cards

PORTER’S FIVE FORCES

Product Smart. Card: o o o A “smart” business card that gives access to a professional web profile Encrypted with a Quick Response (QR) technology – scan-able Once scanned, information is stored on the phone (Online Address Book) Web profile contains all necessary professional information All info is stored in cloud – simultaneous updates on all devices Snapshot Data Sorting tool organizes data in the most relevant and useful manner The physical card is customizable: use our templates or hire a designer at competitive rates

Price Linked. In: Vista. Print: $7. 99/month to $60. 99/month Max: $499. 99/month Most use free no frills accounts • • • Our Pricing NAME PRICE QR Code Only $9. 99 Standard $29. 99 per 100 cards Most Popular $49. 99 per 250 cards Premium $59. 99 per 500 cards $10 per 100 cards for plain vanilla >$20 per 100 for advanced design Accessories available

Promotion Targeting Job Seekers Targeting Students Search Engine Optimization Social Media Marketing

Place Main Store: Website Distribution: Mail Service: Cloud Next Platform: Mobile

Market Perception After 16 UTM students were given our product to try for two weeks, we conducted the following survey. It is evident that UTM students see the value and benefit of our product. Our sample confirms that Smart. Cards is easy to use, as well as an innovation that students value. See Appendix A* for Survey

Strategy Competitive Advantage Focus on post-secondary student needs and its unwavering dedication to database technology Marketing & Customer Retention - Target Market: Post-Secondary Students Value-Based Pricing Direct selling to post-secondary institutions Marketing Channels: post-secondary institutions and online (See Notes) Social media Engage students by providing tips to successfully network with recruiters Customer Retention strategy - “Smart Points” (See Notes) Sponsor networking events with business cards that have a QR code/access to our software

Business Model Canvas See Appendix B for SWOT Analysis