By Sebastian Sedilla, co-written by Mary Kay J. Floyd
Besides them starting with all “S”s, the adorable animated icon, the trendy Japanese figurine, and the #1 most transformative university in America have helped with sales during the Fundraising Project.
Brought to us in collaboration with Professor Pam Wells’ BUS3-161A, Sec 1&2 students, the Fundraising Project was a semester-long initiative that would help CommUniverCity’s future initiatives. The money raised would go straight back into SJSU community-engaged learners, helping provide future ideas and projects become successful.
It put these business students in a position of using the subject material and interpersonal skills to the test, as well as the unique opportunity to bring their creative ideas to life.
This time around, the BUS3-161A students were asked to ideate, create, and quite literally sell their ideas and products, bringing everything they have learned in
The BUS3-161A students formed groups or “project teams,” then brainstormed high-demand products.
So the question that the students were asking themselves was, “What would our peers buy?”
They came up with a myriad of ideas–a consignment sale, a raffle, a “DIY” accessory station, stickers, mystery or “blind” packs, and a whole lot of home-baked goods.
It is ideas such as these that demonstrate critical thinking and innovation.
One of the key challenges was the limitation of working within a $20 tabling budget. Groups had to develop creative ways to work within that budget. By doing this, they developed skills such as financial planning and cost management, essential for any business student to learn.
Student groups “Foodaholics” and “Team Too” went beyond the initial ask of coming up with products to sell, and implemented marketing into their project by creating a flyer to post on CommUniverCity’s main social media account.
Students also demonstrated consistent communication, as this is vital to executing the Fundraising Project. Their efforts in creating a flyer highlighted the importance of marketing and branding to attract other SJSU students to potentially buy their product.
After planning, they strategically tabled on 7th Street during peak lunch hours, selling food and various other items such as stickers, clothing, drinks, and a lot more.
A few popular products in particular were stickers–but not just any stickers: talented graphic designers from Team Too designed trendy SJSU-exclusive Snoopy and Smiski stickers.
Strategically, it was brilliant.
By combining creativity, teamwork, and strategic thinking, the business students were able to get hands-on experience in executing a successful fundraising effort from beginning to end.
Overall, the Fundraising Project gave valuable experience to the BUS3-161A students. They have helped raise funds for CommUniverCity and have learned things such as how to brainstorm fundraising ideas, sales skills, and effective communication among their teams.
With these funds, CommUniverCity is able to continue its community-driven initiatives that foster vibrant, healthy, and empowered neighborhoods.