Instruction:
1. Read these three discussions below.
2. Write one reply for each discussion. （means write three replies）
3. Each reply should be 80-100 words. (“Agree with you” or some points are good)
1.Both these two articles mention the use of the strategy. The long-term development of the company requires a unique strategy. Both large enterprises and household business can have their own unique strategies and stand out, so that their goods and services can be unique and different from their rivals. IKEA’s unique business style and the strategy that let customers do it by themselves help customers become the best in the industry. Pannell ‘florist is a good example, her business is very small, but she is concerned about the needs of customers, and provide new ideas for customers to choose and trim their own bouquets. She improve the strategy This is unique to Pannell. This also shows that the strategy is applicable regardless of the size of the company. Because when having its own unique strategy, it enables its business to hold its own unique loyal customers. And the company’s long-term development is inseparable from innovation and unique charm, imitation and blind conformity is meaningless. The process of thinking about strategies may be based on chance, but there are also certain ways. The first is to keep an eye on every detail. Pay attention to customers’ habits, preferences and needs to develop our own unique strategies. Only by understanding customers and market can we make our strategy better. Secondly, the company’s strategy must be consistent with the characteristics of the company, and the best strategy is the most suitable one for the company. Thirdly, when having an idea, can’t put all eggs in one basket, and should be flexible to meet the market demand.
2. Although “What is Strategy?” was a bit of a long read for an article, it was necessary for Michael Porter to fully explain what business strategy is. He provided many good examples to help explain his topics which helps me as the reader to better understand what is being discussed. If one isn’t careful, operational effectiveness can easily be misinterpreted for strategy. After reading this article I learned that a business can be terrific in their effectiveness, however if it lacks strategy it can’t really compete with the competition who does. Another aspect of the article that I liked is that towards the end, Porter, in a way, gives advice to business managers on how they can properly implement their strategies. Information on how not to implement strategies is also given—via mistakes made by other businesses in the past.
The article about the flower truck was also a good read because Mrs. Pannell’s strategy came from a personal place. She seems like a person who understands what a person who loves flowers wants because she, herself, is one. I don’t think her strategies were hard to come up with because she’s so attune to how a floral person wants their flower picking experience to be. It is this reason why I think she’ll have much success with her business.
I do believe strategy should be applied by any and all businesses. The reason I think this is because I don’t see how it could be a bad move if the strategy is well thought out, critiqued and fits with the business goal. If this criteria is met then I believe businesses should use any strategy they can develop, whether large scale or small. In either case, progress is being made towards the goal and there’s nothing negative about that.
Businesses can come up with the best strategy if they have a team of skilled and knowledgable people who come together to make it reality. These people can’t be random, however. The people involved must have skills or knowledge that pertains to the strategy, that way it can be executed in the best way possible.
3. Both of the articles were interesting in the aspect of strategy. The “What is Strategy” article was interesting because it showed how you always have to be on top of everything because in the business world everything is changing such as technology, strategy, and unique goods. I found that operational effectiveness can lead to a higher profit for the business because you are going with the changes. But, it can also be easily misinterpreted because of the other main point which is strategy. They both have to be effective so the business can grow and expand. Porter gives a good explanation on strategy and how effective leaders will be a big part on being a successful business. A business has to be unique in strategy to be able to exceed other businesses. This article was effective for a business to go with the changes and being able to have an effective and unique strategy with the business.
The article “Flourish Flour Truck” showed me that having a unique business can be successful. Pannell started a business like no other. It’s on the move and its free. The truck offers a lot of freedom for the buyers to choose their flowers and being able to choose their favorite ones. This isn’t like your typical Walmart type flowers that they choose for you and you pick it up and go. But one bad thing about being a unique business is the price. Walmart can offer a cheaper price and run more advertisements to promote their flowers. But, this truck is unique and the strategy is great from going town to town and letting the people choose their favorite flowers. Walmart doesn’t give you this type of freedom. People like to choose what they want and having freedom to purchase what they like. No matter the size of the business, if you have a strategy then you can go be successful even if it’s in the back of a truck.
