Arc Initiative @ Sauder School of Business

What is Social Enterprise?

Although the United Nations receives full funding, the UN simply cannot tackle every social issue in the world. And there are many.

This is why programs independent to the UN are important. Independent contributors often expand the effects of current UN projects.  Sometimes, even, these programs can offer something the UN cannot. Consider the Arc Initiative: a highly specialized program that aims at passing along business knowledge to people in Africa. I don’t think the UN currently has a similar program. Not only is the Arc unique, it enables university students to involve themselves in a global issue. Trying to make a positive contribution to society is difficult, and the Arc makes it possible. The Arc has specific goals that, in conjunction with the UN, subscribe to a better society.

Social enterprise consists of entrepreneurs that, unlike their counterparts, are motivated by social change rather than by money. It is these people that generate global programs, like the Arc Initiative. Regardless of the UN’s subsidizes, right now, the more people and programs dedicated to helping society improve, the better off we all will be.

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Just the name of this blog had me thinking. What is duct tape marketing?

Duct tape marketing is like duct taping a broken window together – it is a cheaper alternative to the real thing; in this case, a new window. This blogs site is directed to small business owners who have limited budgets for marketing.

One of the marketing strategies on the site emphasizes the use of social media. The site offers that because many people spent hours monthly on, say, Facebook, social media is the way to go to promote one’s company – and it’s free. I agree with this. Although I don’t have Facebook, I know the social media site is gradually becoming notorious for, not just paid ads on the side screens, but for small business pages where users can ‘like’ the page. These pages have absolutely no costs associated with them, and businesses can reach many potential customers. Go Duct Tape Marketing!

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Mission Hill Winery in the Okanagan

In business, sometimes the most effective way to succeed is by creating a niche product or entering a niche market. And that’s exactly what Jamie Paquin did with wine. A Canadian from Ontario, Paquin went to Japan for his graduate studies, then eventually started his business.  Today, he sells all types of wine from across Canada to Japanese customers.

Paquin entered the wine market in Tokyo, instead of, say, Paris, because he knew he wouldn’t have much competition. This would allow him to basically monopolize the Canadian wine market in Japan.

Over the past decade, Asian countries have shown great interest in Canadian wine, especially from the Okanagan. I think Paquin has been so successful because of his decision to establish himself in a new market in lieu of joining an existing one. Had he gone to Paris, he would have had to compete with prevailing wineries and large companies.  As an emerging businessman, entering the exponentially growing wine market that wasn’t supplied was the key to Jamie Paquin’s success.

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Air Canada & WestJet Soaring High in Profits

The idea that a flyer’s first-checked bag is free is no longer existent. Starting today, Air Canada’s first-checked bag fee will be implemented. Based on an Angus Reid poll, as described in this article, Canadian’s are very unhappy with this new fee; people believe the fee to be another profit-maximizing scheme.

As a stakeholder, these individuals would be pleased with this new fee. Also, potential investors are more inclined to invest with significant profit on the balance sheet.

As a consumer, I agree and disagree with the implementation of this baggage fee. The airline industry is arguably a money-losing industry. Purchasing news planes, maintaining planes and employing people to operate the planes is costly. And in 2008, with the economic recession, many airlines went bankrupt. However, just this year, airlines such Air Canada and West Jet reported enormous and recording-breaking profits. After reading this, I understand how Canadians do not like this new baggage fee when these two airlines are making ridiculous profits.

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