REPORT ON PITCH AND PROFIT AN INTERCLASS PRODUCT SELLING ACTIVITY ENTREPRENEURSHIP & STARTUP MANAGEMENT

Date & Time of Activity : 7th October – 15th October 2024
Sales Pitch Venue : Quadrangle
Activity Organized for : I MBA Students
Target Audience : UG & PG Students , Teaching & Non Teaching Staffs
Activity Coordinator : Dr. Soniya K
No of Participants : 250

Objective of the Activity
The objective of the activity are to understand and implement effective sales strategies, apply key marketing concepts, and develop strong negotiation skills. It aims to foster team collaboration and enhance communication, while also focusing on managing customer relationships. Additionally, the activity encourages the practice of business ethics and professionalism and seeks to build financial acumen in the context of sales.

Brief Summary
The Sales Pitch event, held from October 7th to 15th, 2024, provided I MBA students with an immersive experiential learning opportunity centered around entrepreneurship and sales management. The event saw active participation from students, divided into teams tasked with executing sales pitches through both food and non-food stalls.

Event Structure and Process
The activity was organized into six distinct stages:
1. Idea Generation & Product Development:
Each team brainstormed and developed products to be sold during the event. Teams came up with creative and unique offerings, ranging from food items to handmade crafts, ensuring diverse product categories.

2. Market Research:
Students conducted pre-event market research to better understand the preferences and demands of their target audience, consisting of college students, faculty, and staff. This research influenced product development and pricing strategies.

3. Sales Strategy Development:
Each team crafted a tailored sales strategy based on their research. They focused on branding, pricing, and promotion methods, using creative posters and brochures to draw attention to their stalls.

4. Sales Execution:
Teams set up and managed their stalls in the college Quadrangle. They actively engaged with customers, promoting their products and implementing their sales strategies. Both food and non-food stalls were highly interactive, with students making real-time adjustments to attract more customers.

5. Performance Metrics:
Throughout the event, teams tracked their sales performance through key metrics such as revenue, customer feedback, and product turnover. This data was later analyzed to measure each team's success.

6. Reflection and Learning:
After the event, students reflected on their experiences, sharing insights on what worked and what could be improved. This reflection helped students solidify their understanding of entrepreneurial practices, from product development to customer engagement and sales execution.

Event Participation and Team Structure
Each MBA class formed two teams, each comprising a minimum of 10 members. A total of 12 teams participated, with one designated team leader per team. Each team was responsible for setting up two stalls: one food stall and one non-food stall. This setup allowed for a broad range of offerings, ensuring that participants gained experience in diverse product categories.

Outcome and Evaluation
Winners were determined based on the quality of their presentations, which covered all six stages of the event. Evaluation criteria included the effectiveness of their sales strategy, customer engagement, creativity in product offerings, financial management, and overall sales performance. The winning teams were awarded certificates and trophies as recognition of their efforts. All other participants received participation certificates as a token of appreciation.
The winners demonstrated exceptional skill in blending innovative ideas with practical sales strategies. Their ability to engage customers and efficiently manage operations earned them top honors in the event.

Submission and Documentation
Each team was required to submit a hard copy of the filled "Pitch and Profit" template, detailing their journey through the six stages. The submissions were made to Dr. Soniya K on or before October 18th, 2024.
In addition to the template, each team submitted the following documents:
● Menu Cards: Showcasing the food items sold, along with pricing.
● Brochures/Posters: Marketing materials used during the event to promote their stalls.
● Geotagged Photos: Photos of the event and the preparation stages were included as part of the documentation process.
● Income and Expenditure Statements: Teams provided detailed reports on the costs incurred and revenue generated, with separate statements for food and non-food stalls.
● Response Sheets: Teams that conducted customer feedback surveys submitted their Google Form responses to demonstrate customer engagement.
● Copies of Bills: Relevant bills and receipts were attached to verify expenses.

Financial Overview
Each team submitted two separate income and expenditure reports—one for food stalls and one for non-food stalls. These financial statements provided a detailed analysis of costs versus revenue, allowing teams to assess their financial performance and profit margins. A consolidated slide presentation will be used to summarize the total revenue generated from both categories during the event.

Learning Outcome
Through this activity, participants will gain practical sales experience, improving their sales and negotiation skills while boosting their entrepreneurial confidence. They will enhance their ability to develop effective marketing strategies and strengthen real-world problem-solving skills. Additionally, the activity will foster financial literacy, particularly in the context of business operations, helping participants better understand the financial dynamics involved.

The Sales Pitch event was a tremendous success, offering I MBA students a unique opportunity to experience the full entrepreneurial process, from idea generation to final execution and reflection. The students demonstrated creativity, adaptability, and teamwork, applying theoretical knowledge to real-world challenges. The event not only fostered practical business skills but also encouraged collaboration and strategic thinking, making it a valuable learning experience for all participants.

Principal