Week 9: Idea Napkin No. 2

Idea Napkin:

1). As a marketing major, I definitely have a larger focus and the most experience with public relations, marketing, and advertising. I am also a communications minor and believe that people skills are at the top, if not the most important skill to have. I was diagnosed with Interstitial Cystitis recently and believe that struggling with a dietary restriction first hand makes me even more passionate about this business venture because I live with making these decisions every day. I think it is essential to incorporate one’s personal life into their career, and I hope to somehow connect my experiences with my job so that I am doing something everyday that I am proud of.

2). My idea is an on campus grocery store, similar to the POD, specializing in groceries in others foods specifically for those people with dietary restrictions. This would be a sort of market with both fresh foods but also food on the go at a cheaper price for students on a budget. I believe there is an unmet need because there are not many options available for those with dietary restrictions, especially on campus.

3). My larger demographic is all college students because anyone would like an on campus grocery store with cheaper and healthier options. Specifically, my target segment of that larger population is those college students with dietary restrictions such as being gluten free, diabetic, vegetarian, or Kosher. For example, you may not know Oreos are vegan. These can be enjoyed by all college students, but specifically meet the need of many particular segments. The overall demographic is broad, but it also fulfills the specific needs of groups that are often left out of mainstream food and grocery options.

4). When your body cannot physically process certain foods, it is invaluable to have the right foods available. Many people who have these restrictions have to go with whatever fits their needs even though it is often not the most appetizing of choices. You may crave the chocolate cake, but if your body can’t process it, than you can’t eat it. This is unique because it would help provide more options to people who are used to such a limited selection. I know I personally would be willing to pay for a service that broadens the scope of food choices, and I think that others, especially with dietary restrictions, would feel the same way.

5). This is an original business concept. This sets me apart because there is no grocery store that provides options specifically for these segments, let alone one on campus at an affordable price. It is a new idea, and with the introduction of so many new dietary trends, I think it is long overdue.

I think all of these elements fit together in one way or another. Although some parts of the business plan are slightly stronger than others, I believe it is an invaluable concept to people with dietary restrictions. I obviously want to continue to improve upon the idea in any way possible, but I am very satisfied with it overall. Food is a basic necessity of life, and something as basic as eating can be taken for granted until your options are limited.

Feedback Memo:

1). My passion stands out and makes the message even more powerful.

2). Even for those who don’t struggle with a dietary restriction, more options on campus at a lower price would benefit many segments.

3). Could bring the campus and overall community together by creating a place where everyone can find something to eat.

4). Marketing major/people skills transcend across my business idea as well.

5). Very original concept/fits an unmet need/would definitely be beneficial to increase the number of options available.

I tried to continue to incorporate the notes above in my post. As I mentioned before, using passion and personal experience to bring people together has always been important to me, so that is a continued focus. I elaborated a little more on many areas, but honestly kept a lot of the original structure as well. I also tried to further expand on how it could meet the needs of a broader demographic (all college students) instead of just the target segment (those with dietary restrictions). In addition, I explained more about cheaper pricing because that seemed to be a popular theme. Overall, the feedback was very positive and I used it as a tool to further develop by business idea.