Assignments for Class #3

1) Watch Tucker and the Alexander Graham Bell Story if you haven't already. Be prepared to discuss at the beginning of next class. The AGB Story is currently with Brian Bell (any relation?). Brian can you put your email address in a comment and let folks know how they can view the film and for how much?

2) Read Crossing the Chasm pp. 63 to 103. You should have already read the preface and up to page 63. Remember to use a highliter on important ideas and to make notes in the margins if there are questions or concepts you would like to discuss in class.

3) Read the Starbucks IPO which will be posted as a link to this blog within 48 hours. Be prepared to discuss the initial target market for Starbucks.

4) Read the Under Armour IPO if you haven't already and be prepared to discuss the "Enterprise Value" of Under Armour at the time of its IPO. For Extra Credit be prepared to discuss the current "Enterprise Value" of Under Armour.

5) Apply the first 3 Principles from Part 2 of "How to Win Friends and Influence People" in a social interaction with a retail employee or public agent. A retail employee, you may recall from class discussion, can be any food services worker or an employee at a bookstore or clothing shop. A public agent may be a bus driver, postal clerk, or security guard. Be prepared to discuss the results of the application of the Principles. Please note the time, date, place, and type of interaction--an entry on your personal blog is a good way of archiving this information.

6) Write a new version of your essay from Assignment #1
This new version should be a revision of the first submission, incorporating comments, if any, from the Professor and your fellow students. An additional paragraph will now be added discussing an element from either "Chasm" or "How to Win" that can be identified within the life of the person profiled in your essay. A further paragraph will identify the initial target market of the person profiled in your essay from their successful business. The description of this initial target market will use concepts from Chasm and identify the aspects of the target market that relate to terminology used in Chasm. Post this new version of your essay as a hotlink back to your blog in a comment area on this blog by 12 midnight on the Saturday preceding the class--watch for the Professor's post that indicates where to post, and remember to make your post a "hotlink". Make sure that the new paragraphs are incorporated into the essay--do NOT simply tack on words. Rewrite, refine and remember to cite sources.

7) Create a Powerpoint slide that identifies an initial target market for a product or service you would like to launch. Remember the Rules of Powerpoint discussed in class. Post the slide (as a hotlink back to your blog if possible) by 12 midnight on Sunday prior to class. Use specific information from sources such as the US Census. Remember to cite the sources.

8) Read the selected sections from the Apple IPO. This should be posted as a link by the Friday of this week.