What is social enterprise? It is an organization that focuses creating improvements on human and environmental well being, rather that focusing on maximizing profits. I believe it is a vital part of the world we live in today, as it brings people together and generates development for so many.

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If the United Nations was fully funded would we need social enterprise? The answer is Y-E-S! The United Nations focuses in on aid and relief efforts. While this can be helpful, most of the efforts effects ware off and are not sustainable in the long run. Often times these efforts hurts these communities and makes them more dependant.

I feel that social enterprises, such as The Arc Initiative, are extremely beneficial for developing countries. Rather than giving these communities what they need, they TEACH them the skills they need to help themselves. This initiative provides people with the skills they will need to become financially independent.

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A social Enterprise is also able to focus in on more specific, smaller initiatives, rather than trying to tackle a gigantic issue. I feel that these small initiatives are able to work and “fill in the cracks” left behind from the UN.  “Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.” -Maimonides. This quote sums up the efforts put on by social enterprise.

What Nordstrom will look like in downtown Vancouver http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2012/09/17/nordstrom-vancouver-drawings-sears-building_n_1891407.html

The giant US department store chain Nordstrom is set to open six Canadian stores by 2015. This is generating much anticipation for many Canadians who previously had to cross the border to get their Nordstrom fix. The expansion is also creating some uncertainty to Canadian customers.

http://i.cbc.ca/1.2711246.1407254656!/cpImage/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/16x9_620/target-canada-20140124.jpg

In 2013, over 100 Target stores entered the Canadian market. To much disappointment, these stores did not maintain the same merchandise or low prices that were available in the US. The company lost $1-billion in Canada last year.

Nordstrom should look at Target as an example of what not to do in the Canadian market. I feel that they are playing it smart by opening a small number of stores to start out with. They can see what works and what does not. For the company to be truly successful in the Canadian market they must try to stick to their roots as much as possible. Canadians do not want a lesser version of what they see in the States.

I feel that Nordstrom’s has a solid chance of succeeding in this market if they look to alleviate consumers pains, and generate gains. If this company works to put effort in their Canadian stores, I can’t see much stopping them. Let’s hope Nordstrom’s hits their target, instead of pulling a Target.

Works Cited
Korstrom, Glen. “Nordstrom’s Canada Roll-out Attracts Mixed Reviews, Comparisons to Target.” Business In Vancouver. N.p., 29 Oct. 2014. Web. 09 Nov. 2014.

Sophia Amoruso http://cdn.businessoffashion.com/uploads/media/header_image/0001/01/thumb_a20e47a2bb982336bf3fe63556733a41a797bc71_header_image_header.jpeg

Sophia Amoruso is the CEO of the widely popular online clothing retailer, Nasty Gal. After dropping out of community college in 2006, Amoruso created an eBay shop as a side project. She would go to thrift stores, purchase designer clothing for cheap and sell them online for a strong profit.

Eight years later, Nasty Gal has grown  $100 million-plus online fashion retailer with more than 350 employees. Amoruso has done a fantastic job of establishing her company in this new era. As I spoke on in a previous blog, Nasty Gal attributes a lot of their success to their marketing strategy. With a target demographic of young women, they market themselves on social media- making this a very cheap and wise decision.

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Amoruso also prides herself on the customer service deriving from Nasty Gal. It was easy for her to know what her customers wanted, as she is under the same demographic. I feel that is the only way a business can truly be successful. If you don’t care about your customers or don’t understand them, there is no way a company can thrive.

Sophia Amoruso is a prime example of an entrepreneur who built her company around something she was interested and understood. I believe that is how her company managed to become one of the most popular retailers for young woman’s fashion.

Works Cited

Amoruso, Sophia. “3 Rules Of Success That Made Nasty Gal A $100 Million Business.” Business Insider. Business Insider, Inc, 22 May 2014. Web. 09 Nov. 2014.

Barret, Victoria. “Nasty Gal’s Sophia Amoruso: Fashion’s New Phenom.”Forbes. Forbes Magazine, 28 June 2012. Web. 09 Nov. 2014.

Gittleson, Kim. “‘Shoplifting Saved My Life'” BBC News. N.p., 18 May 2014. Web. 09 Nov. 2014.

http://hothardware.com/News/Google-Now-Number-2-on-Top-25-Best-Companies-to-Work-For/

It is no secret that Google is one of the world’s most desirable companies to work at- and with good reason. In response to an external blog, I agree that Google has done a remarkable job of establishing their organizational culture. From free food, to a campus that could compete with a 5 star resort, there is no wonder why Google’s corporate culture sets the standard for companies around the world.

Movie “The Internship” displays the corporate culture at Google

http://says.com/my/tech/revealed-the-seven-best-perks-you-get-as-a-google-employee

When Danielle van Jaarsveld guest spoke in our class, she spoke to the benefits of a strong corporate culture. While some people thought companies should be allocating their money to more “useful” expenses, she told us how corporate culture can add value to a company as a whole. Although it may be costly, when you can retain your employees, it means less time and money spent recruiting.

Google has strongly established their corporate culture. The company has approximately 2.5 million applicants a year, each yearning for a taste of what this company has to offer (including the free food). I truly believe the corporate culture created by this company is what really sets it apart from competitors. When employees enjoy going to work, it indeed does make a difference.

In response to  Nurhian’s blog, I definitely agree that the legalization of marijuana would create great opportunity for businesses and the economy. As an increasing number of states in the US are voting to legalize weed, there is increasing interest from entrepreneurs and investors.

It is no secret that the legalization of marijuana would generate enormous amounts of money into the economy. I agree that many entrepreneurs would be extremely interested in entering this market. Take Washington and Colorado as examples. These two states have had a great deal of growth in their economies.

I can see how many entrepreneurs are itching for the opportunity to get into this market. I also agree with Nurhian’s point, that it will be interesting to see how business will compete and stay stable with such a sudden change. There is a very large chance that consumers will face information overload. These entrepreneurs will need to differentiate themselves from their competition, and position themselves into the mind of the consumer. Because this is a new and emerging market, it is anyones game.

Works Cited

“Why Legalizing Medical Marijuana Will Make Investors Extremely Wealthy.” Forbes. Forbes Magazine, n.d. Web. 07 Nov. 2014.

Mcgee, Suzanne. “Two States Vote Today on Legalizing Marijuana. Prepare for the ‘Green Rush'” The Guardian. N.p., 04 Nov. 2014. Web. 07 Nov. 2014.

Photo: http://d23jjfgld6ecyg.cloudfront.net/group_thumbnails/61/255×310.jpg

Photo: http://assets.dnainfo.com/generated/chicago_photo/2014/02/legal-marijuana-1391545174.jpg/larger.jpg