” If  the United Nations was fully funded why would we need the Arc or social enterprise”?

In terms of the question posted above, I believe that if the United Nations were fully funded, we would still need the Arc and Social Enterprise because while the UN focus on bigger problems in the world, the Arc and Social Enterprise are small enough to target the smaller ones. The United Nations, which is an organization founded in 1945 is an “international organization committed to maintaining international peace and security; developing friendly relations among nations; promoting social progress, better living standards and human rights”. When I visited the website, it say the 8 main goals of the United Nations were to:

1. eradicate extreme poverty, 2. achieve universal primary education, 3. promote gender equality and empower women, 4. reduce child mortality, 5. improve maternal health, 6. combat HIV and Aids, malaria and other diseases, 7. Ensure environmental sustainability, 8. Develop a global partnership for development.

The United Nations Logo

While The UN seem to target bigger scale issues such as maintaining international peace and security and fighting disease, the Arc and Social Enterprise exist to target smaller social/commercial issues. Social Enterprise is defined as: “an organization that applies commercial strategies to maximize improvements in human and environmental well-being, rather than maximizing profits for external shareholders.” Considering this definition and The Arc’s initiative which is: to build a bridge or a two way exchange of knowledge and business skill- it can be argued that as the two groups (UN, Social Enterprise and Arc) differ in what they do, both groups would be needed regardless of whether or not The UN was fully funded. Generally, while the UN utilizes arms and a bigger variety of network to maintain international peace and security, the Arc and Social Enterprise utilize individuals and their knowledge in business to help people in other communities improve their community in terms of the human and environmental condition by giving them the resources needed to do so.  That being said, regardless of whether or not The UN was fully funded, the Arc and Social Enterprise would still need to exist as The UN provides aid but not necessarily in the concentrated and focused manner that the Arc and Social Enterprise provide.

This blog post discusses Dustin Sproat’s blog post “Behind the Scenes with Mark Cuban and Kevin O’Leary” and Paul Davidescu’s post “Tangoo’s journey to Dragon’s Den: The conclusion“.

In our Comm 101 class and tutorial, we discussed the show dragon’s den and the companies called Shnarped and Tangoo. After the class, I was interested in learning more about the show so, heeding Paul’s advice, I visited Dustin Sproat’s blog on his Dragon’s Den experience. In terms of his blog and the episode, I quickly realized that regardless of what business you start, there will always be negative feedback; however, what you do with the feedback is what really matters. In his blog, Dustin highlights his learning experience in a few lines:

“DON’T be afraid to put yourself out there. Basically the worst case scenario happened — Mark hated it — and we still came out way ahead of if I hadn’t gone to LA. 
– DON’T overthink the advice of any one person. We’ve taken advice from hundreds of people way smarter than me and they all disagree with one another anyway. 
– DO listen to everyone’s advice, but make your own judgements. 
– DO be continually thankful for the people that have supported you, as they form the base that will help you figure out how to get to the next level.”

Shark-Tank

The show Dragon’s Den and the American Shark Tank are both shows that provide a huge opportunity for companies that are just starting up. Generally, the show allows a business idea to be publicized, allows the “sharks” or “dragons” the opportunity to invest in a great idea, and provides a great way for a company to gain more capital. The opportunity is massive and it is quite easy to feel shut down. However, as Dustin illustrates within his timeline of events leading up to, during, and after his company’s appearance on the show, he encourages small-time entrepreneurs to constantly be confident and willing to take negative feedback in stride for your company- allowing improvements where needed based on your judgements.

The show provides excellent real-life examples of how  a company or a business pitches a business, does it’s financial statements, and utilizes it’s customer segments, value propositions,  and business plan.

Shnarped Hockey – http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/dustin-sproat/behind-the-scenes-with-mark-cuban_b_5085533.html

Tangoo – https://blog.tangoo.ca/tangoos-journey-to-dragons-den-the-conclusion/

In Response to Cecilia Larson’s Blog Post “Is every Sauderite Successful?“.

After reading Cecilia Larson’s Blog post, I felt compelled to write a response on what she had to say. The blog post, which immediately grabbed my attention, seemed to consistently portray all the cluttered thoughts I felt as a student just beginning Sauder. From the daunting intimidation to the clarity of mind that one feels as a student first entering the doors of the building, it seems that Cecilia’s words bring a certain clarity that perfectly captures my thoughts as a first year student.

As a High School student, “success” is such a vague term often painted by media as a word decorated in money, fancy cars, amazing homes, and a vast network of people who share in the same luxuries as you. It’s crazy how the term, which at the time seems such a happy and obtainable goal almost vanishes the moment you enter University. As a Sauder student, I have the privilege of taking Comm 101. The course introduces you to the many branches of business and the business world. Being able to meet people who have once sat in our seats and walked in our shoes really allows one to realize just how obtainable success is when one is willing to put in the hard work. In her blog post, Cecilia brings up Paul’s theme (Tangoo founder) “You must be passionate about what you are doing (i.e. you are honestly not doing it for the money). Because let’s be honest, for the first few years you may very well be living in your parents’ basement.” Generally, this thought really helped me to realize that in order to be successful, one must be willing to suffer the hard times. That being said, it is crucial to find something that you love doing. 

Is Every Sauderite Successful?

In response to Austen Perry’s blog post “Canada Goose Builds New Factory“.

In Austen Perry’s blog post, he discusses the effects of Canada Goose opening a new factory in Toronto and their decision to continue manufacturing solely in Canada. In terms of the things he has to say, I must agree. Canada Goose is a company widely known for it’s amazing quality and has come to the point where their company’s reputation has grown as a Canada- based brand. Essentially, it has gained a competitive advantage in which their product is known to be Canada- based and produced and well-worth it’s cost. That being said, if they were to start “manufacturing elsewhere while continuing to be named Canada Goose would seem fraudulent and ridiculous”.  

Canada Goose Jacket

Taking into consideration Canada Goose’s  value proposition, in order for the company to maximize profits, it would be most profitable to continue its manufacturing solely in Canada- using the same materials that Canada Goose is known for. Many people have accepted Canada Goose’s expensive product and moving the brand elsewhere in order to access different resources would cause the company to lose its competitive advantage. As Austen Perry said, “Canada Goose’s new factory is a great demonstration of a business that chooses to continue to manufacture locally rather than outsource, while continuing to be successful”. Also, the company’s decision to open a new factory in Toronto and offer new employment opportunities will also aid in benefiting the reputation of the company by creating a sense of nationality within Canada, and creating a sense of assurance for the product elsewhere.

Canada Goose Builds New Factory