Page 278 - Business Principles and Management

project:
MY BUSINESS , INC.

PL ANNING ORGANIZATIONAL COMMUNICATION
As a small-business owner, you will be responsible for making sure com-
munications flow smoothly within your business and with others outside
your business. Unclear or poor communication can be very damaging to
a new business as you work with employees, customers, other business-
people, and the public. You need to plan communication carefully and
use effective communication whenever you interact with others.

DATA COLLECTION
1. Using newspapers, business magazines, and Internet news services,
identify situations in which businesses faced problems resulting from
poor communication. Make a list of the types of communication
problems you identify, using the following categories: communica-
tion problems with (a) employees, (b) customers, (c) other business-
people, (d) the public, (e) other.
2. Advertising is one method of communicating with customers. How-
ever, advertisements often do not communicate the same message
to everyone. Locate three ads for small businesses, preferably busi-
nesses similar to your juice bar business. Show the ads to five differ-
ent people. Record their answers to the following questions:
a. What is the most important message you receive from each of
these ads?
b. In general, do you believe the ad is effective or ineffective?
c. As a result of the ad, would you be more or less likely to be a
customer of the business? Why?
3. As a small-business owner, you are concerned that meetings with your
employees be as effective as possible. Use library or Internet resources
to research the topic of rules of order or parliamentary procedure in
meetings. How can you apply these rules to your business?

ANALYSIS
1. Compose a letter that you would send to local health clubs and recre-
ation centers. In the letter, request that your juice bar be identified as
the “exclusive source for juice drinks” for their facility. Make sure the
letter is persuasive and offers some value or benefit to the businesses
you will contact.
2. You have been asked by the local organization of retailers to make a
brief presentation at their monthly luncheon meeting about your new
business. Using presentation software, prepare a five-minute presen-
tation that describes the business, your business plan, and some of
the challenges you believe you will face. Give your presentation to
the class. Be prepared to defend your business plan. If possible, ask
a local retailer to attend and ask questions of the presenters.

265