Tips for Topic Selection

Topic selection is an important first step for this project because it sets the stage for the entire plan. Here are some tips for topic selection:

• You can create an entirely new product, or add a unique new feature to an existing product (that you launch through your own company or organization you create).

• Pick a business or product that you or a friend might want to launch one day. Or, select a recently-launched business you are familiar with that needs marketing. Try to find something you are passionate about!

• Do not pick a topic that is so large it can't be covered adequately, or so abstract it will lack specifics. For example, DO NOT select a large corporation such as Starbucks, Coca-Cola or Apple. If you are interested in coffee restaurants, for example, you may wish to select your own cappuccino bar as your topic, and then use information from companies like Starbucks or Seattle's Best Coffee for ideas and competitive research as you work on your project.

• Do not suggest a volunteer-based, non-profit charity service (it will not translate successfully to the marketing plan sections required for this project).

• Ask yourself: How is this product, service, business offering something new and different than the competition? If you can't identify its competitive advantage, you may wish to come up with a different idea.

• You may not change your marketing plan topic once approved.