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Post by sbardwell on Sept 7, 2013 15:49:36 GMT -6
INSTANT MBA: Don't Be Another 'Me Too' Player
What causes a “Me Too” player? My guess is fear of rejection or failure. Yup, here we are back to the negative word everyone is afraid of. Speaking again how without failure there is no creativity. To be truthful, I have been a “Me Too” student, giving assignments as straightforward as possible. Writing papers that I think the professor wants to hear, sticking with the status quo. I want to be creative, but as in one of the earlier articles, I am so laser focused on getting school finished, it’s hard to relax and do the things I enjoy. Does this set me on the track to be a “Me Too” employee? This is a topic in which I need to ponder internally and work to become more creative, instead of doing what everyone else is doing.
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Post by stephaniemeyer on Sept 8, 2013 18:05:14 GMT -6
Linkner's article discusses the importance of originality in the business world, and he uses the Dove "Real Women" campaign as a great example of how well originality can work for a corporation. When that Dove campaign first came out, I was both amazed and thrilled that SOMEONE FINALLY showed the beauty in the REAL woman! I, for one, am overweight but have had many people tell me I'm still beautiful. Dove's willingness to address the fact that the average woman's looks are NOT that of the supermodel but are still, in fact, beautiful did wonders for their company. The fast food chain I worked for remains number one because they are constantly researching new and better products. Other chains continue to try to copy them, but their originality keeps them at the number one position. So, there's much to be said for originality.
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Post by brentgruber on Sept 8, 2013 18:06:41 GMT -6
In today's business world competition is fierce and plentiful. This is why it is important to be unique. Your ideas can not just be good they have to be original and the best. In a business aspect, if you are doing everything the same as your competitors or being a "me too" business what is keeping the customer base from picking some other similar business. If you do not have a competitive advantage over your competitors you stand the risk of losing potential customers. In today's business world it's important to be original and stand out.
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Post by katiebourgeois on Sept 9, 2013 8:33:28 GMT -6
INSTANT MBA: Don't Be Another 'Me Too' Player
Being creative is a major plus in the business world. If you can bring creative, original ideas to a company, you probably will never have trouble finding a job. Companies look for creative employees to help them establish the company's own original image. As a company being original, and doing something first, is crucial. It will attract more customers to your business. The example that popped into my head is all the AT&T commercials with the man and the children in groups. Those commercials are original, they get the point across, and they are funny. No other company had made commercials like that before. That appeals to customers and probably brought AT&T extra business.
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Post by katiesnyder on Sept 9, 2013 12:10:08 GMT -6
Instant MBA: Don’t Be Another ‘Me Too’ Player Originally goes along way and can set you apart from others. The concept that you come up with should be different than anyone else so that you can make a statement. What’s the point of doing something if its going to look the same or similar to the next guys work. Nothing is going to stop someone from buying someone else’s product over you own if yours looks exactly like his. Change something around or focus on something different. Set yourself apart from your competitors so that people see the difference and want to buy your product over someone else’s.
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Post by trey on Sept 10, 2013 9:45:21 GMT -6
INSTANT MBA: Don't Be Another 'Me Too' Player
Don't just be another face in the crowd. Companies have plenty of employees that show up everyday and bring nothing new to the table, they need and will pay more for something better. Think if Steve Jobs thought that the first iphone was good enough, we'd never use apple phones anymore. People pay for new and original, don't be afraid to take the risk.
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Post by jameciadavis on Sept 10, 2013 10:30:02 GMT -6
This was another great article. A business has to be unique in its own little niche, to be successful and to have a competitive advantage. Sometimes taking chances on ideas can create opportunities too. I agree that taking chances on ideas or untested concepts can lead to a breakthrough product that can be very profitable and rewarding. These chances can come from conversations or either brainstorming ideas.
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Post by tyancey on Sept 10, 2013 20:41:15 GMT -6
INSTANT MBA: Don't Be Another 'Me Too' Player
This article explains that what the world needs is companies that come up with original ideas and products instead of producing the same products as other companies. Many companies could be struggling with the economy and cannot afford investing in new projects that may or may not deliver a return on investment. As a result, companies are following other companies ideas and improving old products so that they know they will receive a return on investment. Companies do not want to take a risk on new projects and ideas, so they stick to what they know will work. Although this is a safe strategy, it is not an innovative strategy. I agree that the world could use more innovative companies, however, the economy may be preventing companies from being innovative.
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Post by danielleolivier on Sept 11, 2013 12:41:03 GMT -6
Creativity is vital in business and marketing plans. Creativity is the factor that pulls businesses out of the stigma of blending into the crowd and puts them in the spotlight for everyone to see and the more people that see them the more their name gets out and the more customers they get in the door. Being different and having a product or service or advertising campaign that is unlike other companies is what gets businesses noticed and puts their name on the map.
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Post by bgoree13 on Sept 11, 2013 17:20:02 GMT -6
INSTANT MBA: Don't Be Another 'Me Too' Player
I agree with this article because so many concepts are becoming repetitive in the business world. It's always refreshing when a company makes a change or tries something new. Although I am not sure Dove was completely honest when they said there was no photoshop involved in their campaign, the concept and idea was refreshingly different and they received a lot of positive attention from it.
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Post by kformaggio on Sept 11, 2013 17:26:56 GMT -6
INSTANT MBA: Don't Be Another 'Me Too' Player
It is true, creativity and innovation is critical in business. Today, anyone can start a business. Anyone can decide to sell an item, or start a foundation, or create a website, or provide a service. Sites like Etsy show us that even a stay-at-home mother, or full-time college student can become a business owner with just a few clicks of a mouse. Staying current and creating an idea that stands out is what makes companies succeed in today's world. Consumers want a 'wow' factor, and they are looking for creative, consumer-driven marketing that speaks to them. Likewise, companies need to keep products and product lines new and fresh to keep attracting current and new customers.
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Post by brittanyfury on Sept 12, 2013 13:31:08 GMT -6
INSTANT MBA: Don't Be Another 'Me Too' Player
There are 'Me Too' players all around us in society. I think of Sketchers as being a 'Me Too' player because most of their products mimic other company's products. For example, when TOMS shoes came out, their mission was to donate a pair of shoes overseas for every pair consumer's bought. Sure enough Sketchers came out with their version, called BOBS, and donate a pair of shoes as well. Even though this is very charitable and helps those in need, the idea is completely unoriginal. Sketchers also mocked the "Shape-Up" shoes when those first hit the shelves. Company's today are looking for employees with new, fresh and CREATIVE ideas. Notice creativity is emphasized. A company doesn't necessarily have someone on the payroll just to agree with everyone's ideas. If a company like Sketchers would come out with a product that no one has created before, consumers would be impressed. If your product or service is so unique and unlike the rest of the market, than you are more likely to create your own niche, therefore increasing your competitive advantage.
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Post by bneedham on Sept 12, 2013 20:59:38 GMT -6
INSTANT MBA: Don't Be Another 'Me Too' Player
The article seems to be stressing the importance of developing individuality or product identity that is unique and not trying to compare itself to existing products. If I understood it correctly then I agree that product differentiation is a good thing but sometimes it is important to emphasize how a product is similar to another product. If you are trying to introduce a product that is supposed to appeal to a lower income market for example, you would want to associate your products abilities with products viewed to have a higher value, but to then be able to point our that your product has a more affordable entry point. Uniqueness and individuality are great for products that are in the position to pursue that marketing strategy but it is not going to apply in all situations.
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Post by natjohnson90 on Sept 13, 2013 11:20:42 GMT -6
Linkner thinks if you come up with your own product, campaigns, and services you may become a very successful business. This is a example of high risk, high reward. If you take the risk of come up with things yourself, it can fail. But if it successful you company or business will boom. That's what I'm getting from the article
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Post by Holland Bussell on Sept 14, 2013 14:09:35 GMT -6
An aspect of competitive advantage is originality. An idea or product that is unique to itself and distinguishes itself from all other products. That is the idea today in order to be innovative and ahead of the competition. I would find it very difficult for companies to compete with one another if they do not do something different or have a competitive edge over one another. Linkner basically thinks everyone should incorporate a sense of creativity in order to think with a sense of originality.
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