Tasks: Global Marketing and Brand Building

1. Do you think it is ok to link marketing with entertainment and to use product placement in films and TV shows?
2. In Norway it is illegal to have marketing directed at children. Is this a sensible law?
3. What makes a good TV commercial? What are the most memorable TV commercials you have seen, and what made them memorable?

4. Give examples of brands that have fallen or risen in value and try to explain why this has happened. What type of outside forces can affect the value of a brand?

Imagine that you are about to start a new business, but you need funding. In order to reach possible investors for your new company, you have to make a business pitch. A pitch is a presentation where the goal is to secure the resources and funding necessary to move forward with a business plan. The pitch should be fairly short (max 5 min) and should focus on the following:

• A description of the product.

• An explanation of why this product is necessary on the market. How will this product improve the life of the customer?

• A description of how you plan on marketing your product and how you will make your product stand out in a competitive market.

• A description of your financial projections and future financial needs.

Step 1: Decide on a product:

In groups, settle on a product that you believe there is a demand for in the market. It can be a completely new product or an already existing one that you improve and develop further (for examples, a GPS key chain so you never lose your keys again, a robot that walks your dog, a location-based app that can help you out of a traffic jam … use your imagination)

Step 2: Make a presentation:

Make a short pitch in the form of a power point presentation or a film (max 5 minutes) where you present your product and cover the four points above. The other groups will be your potential investors, and they all have £100,000 each that they will hand out to the best pitch. After everyone has presented their product, the class will vote for the best pitch (you are not allowed to vote for yourself). Which group attracts the most investors and makes the best deals?

Write a letter to a potential investor explaining why he/she should invest in your product. Use the same points as in the presentation task above.

Remember to use polite and formal language. You are free to use pictures and visual descriptions to show the product's potential.

Your school is hosting a talent show and wants as many people as possible to come and watch. Make an advertising poster that can also be shared on social media. Work in groups of 3 or 4 and make the poster. Use your imaginations to decide the title and content of the show you are advertising.

The poster must include:

1. Headline: Remember to use a font that catches the eye and is easy to read from a distance.
2. Illustration: Drawing, photo, collage... the only requirement is that you have made it yourself.
3. Information about the show. Remember to be clear, brief, and persuasive.