As the year comes to an end and 2022 approaches, we enter the business implementation phase. This is where the executions comes into play. I was assigned the task of creating content for the newsletter and I have created at least 2 newsletter for the email subscription. As I generated the content for the newsletter , I learned many new facts about menstruation in general and how a menstrual cup is general is more superior than other menstrual products but due to comfort and inexperience, it is less likely adopted by women in general. Therefore, it is crucial to educate the general audience on the benefits and how it should be adopted as an alternative. After generating the newsletter, I realized that the content might have been too much and that it should have been more easily digestible by the audience. Instead these information will be presented in the blog posted on the website.

After the model photoshoot was taken, the next agenda I had to complete was to do research on digital marketing specifically tools that may assist in outreach through Instagram. I started by creating a dedicated Dawn Cups Facebook account and then did some research on the FB analytics tool. Amongst the ones readily available are Facebook Insights and Facebook business manager. FB business manager was rather complex to grasp at first but over a period of time, it became more intuitive. While there are many key takeaways that can be shared, the most important is that the ads posted can be scheduled much earlier and through the FB business manager platform and that the ads can be targeted towards mass audience or niche group to achieve the desired outreach. Also since Instagram is owned by Facebook, the integration between the two platforms is seamless. Since our target audience is catered for ages between 14, the onset of puberty for most ladies and 25, Instagram and Tiktok will be an appropriate platform. However, these two platform requires different kinds of campaigning. Tiktok functions in a way that allows ease of platform growth through organic content while Instagram requires targeted advertisement to reach the audience.

Finally exam period has ended and we can finally expand more time and effort in this venture. After meeting the group, we were each assigned different task to complete and we had to meet on 12th December to further discuss on our business ventures. I was assigned as the main person responsible for the content development of the media social platforms. Instagram and Tiktok has been decided as our main platform for disseminating information. I had to spend numerous hours to generate suitable content such as common myths that has to be debunked, misconceptions people have on menstrual cup and even extend my topics to menstruation as a whole. I had to cross-refer to IG posts by other similar creators on their content to ensure that there are some common grounds covered.

As the group decides to searching for sample and giving quotations, I was tasked to search for suitable pouches to store the menstrual cup. I took some time to search through Alibaba for suitable manufacturers to liaise with and unfortunately, many turned down the request as they had much higher MOQ and could not fit within our scope. After browsing more more than 15 companies, alas there was a company that was able to cater to our needs. Asides from that, it offers the cheapest cost and the shortest lead-time. I was thoroughly happy that we could settle for one drawstring pouch. The supplier requested for our intended logo and provided us with a sample of how the bag would look overall. The final cost was within our budget and we decide to keep this supplier in mind before finalising on our purchase.

As exam periods approaches and submission begins to pile up, the amount of time I could invest in starts to decrease. I was tasked with searching for viable sponsors that could contribute to our finances. Even though there were many grants available for entrepreneurs, since our business model is neither technology-based nor unique, it is difficult to source for one that can accommodate to our requirements. However, I managed to chance upon an interesting platform known as Fundnel and is willing to fund us if they access our business idea interesting and profitable.

As the business report on top of another presentation was looming in mind, there were many segments we had to complete. I was tasked with the responsibility of doing the market analysis. In a way this was good for me as I had figured that if I could convince myself, I could convince the group on the marketability of the venture. The market analysis includes the segments within the country, porter’s 5 forces and the present competitors. Another major aspect that I had to address was the possible risk involved in this venture.

As a whole, this was a rushing week as I had several school assignments alongside quizzes, and I had to work till wee hours in the morning to complete the assignments. However, I was truly satisfied that our group had a good communication and was able to push through despite the hurdle. After the presentation, I personally directed multiple questions to Roderick. The points discussed includes requesting a small number of samples from our suppliers, planning sessions to engage with the community and plan promotional packages on significant days for women such as Nurse’s Day, Women’s Day and even Mother’s Day.

We had a rough start trying to form the team. There were many interpersonal issues we had to resolve before coming together as a group. After much deliberation, we finally decided as a team to meet and discuss on several feasible ideas that we could explored. The agenda was to set some ground rules and to finalize the product that we would like to explore. While there were several ideas shared amongst us, the idea of menstrual cup was the most unique and the idea that was accepted by Roderick. However, I still had several reservations as I was afraid that we might have underestimated the challenges that we may experience. Some of the questions that struck my mind was how would we be able to stand out amongst our many competitors and how can we thrive. Issues such as time availability, commitment and many more also plagued my mind.

After many rounds of sharing and discussions, we decided to unanimously venture into feminine hygiene product as we foresee a market potential. One question was still casted in my mind: What is our unique selling point and how do we convince customers that out product is unique enough to garner sales and profitability.