Networking Professional Academic Personal ? Political Patents Canadian

Networking Professional Academic Personal ?

Political Patents Canadian Innovation Commercialization Program PEST ANALYSIS Economic The Canadian economy is going through a mid-cycle expansion Social Social responsibility Privacy Technological 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 SmartCards 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”, “SmartCards” 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: LinkedIn, traditional business cards 4. Purchase: online, post-secondary institutions’ clubs or societies 5. Post-purchase evaluation: website, FAQs

No direct competition Indirect Competitors: LinkedIn Digital Business Cards COMPETITION

PORTER’S FIVE FORCES

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 Product

Price LinkedIn: $7.99/month to $60.99/month Max: $499.99/month Most use free no frills accounts Our Pricing VistaPrint: $10 per 100 cards for plain vanilla >$20 per 100 for advanced design Accessories available

Promotion 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 SmartCards 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