Powerpoints and Videos

OB:
I was told that we went over this on Tuesday slides 1-22. Some of which we went over today.
We watched a clip from a BYU devotional. How there was a difference in what people do and the meaning behind it to the other person's perception of what is being done. Then compared to a couple getting married ("Abilene Paradox") and how they may both want the same thing or don't want the same thing and do it anyway. We then discussed the Nick and Bridget case: John Reid & Colette Brown roleplayed and then Stacey Hatch & Doug Guptill. Both groups tried to resolve the issue between the two in the case, but couldn't seem to get there. We found that neither one was trying to understand the others view point. By doing so they could't see how they were hindering things from getting done. We keep referencing the Leadership & Self-Deception book. Another plea, get started now on that. You'll feel like part of the group when you do. You'll now understand the inside jokes (allusions). We then watched another video (wish I had some of my theater's popcorn for today) about a guy bequeathing strange objects to people because they were mementos (mmm minty) of his turning points or when he found out a better way of living. So our Homework for tonight: Find a Turning Point in our life and how to become a turning point in others' lives. (Pay it Forward anyone?)
Marketing:
"Segmenting, Positioning is the core of all marketing" -Brother Eager. We went over the case as usual. Group #1, the one I used to be in, presented and did a descent job. I don't think I could have liked it any more than I did. I just hate the Prius. It's not against the tree-hugging ignoramuses that drive or the so-called claim on lower carbon emissions, it the fact that they took a market that should have been Honda's if Honda were smarter about design and market. The Honda Insight may look sillier than the Prius (not by much) but it was more efficient. Boasting at 67 MPG in City. Wow! I digress. Next we went over the SWOT analysis for Toyota at the time of the Prium release Strengths-known brand, quality, reliable, potentially Environmentally Friendly, Gas mileage, smaller, kaizen, efficient, big company, innovative. Weaknesses-only 2 plants in USA, limited forecasting, stogy/boring, unfocused market, copycats, weaker/less power. Opportunities-Gas prices, be the first, expand audience, Environmentally Friendly. Threats-Mechanical failure, Honda, Too expensive, Lack of interest, foreign exchange, obsolete, gas prices. We should always Leverage strengths, let them work for you, don't leverage weaknesses. Minimize weaknesses so it not hindering you. Like Denny's would never say, "Denny's: The Healthy Choice!" even is they had a healthier menu or a menu with healthier items.
Our group met up a a little while longer after class to finish up on the case paper due. Where is everyone else on the company concepts? We've talked about the past groups of food (which I've overheard others saying, "NO WAY!"), Cookbooks, Scrubs, etc. We've had some original thoughts, but we get hung up on a web presence. I can't wait to hear your thoughts.