Alumni Game Answers

1. How much should cost your marketing campaign, based on the forecast data showed above?
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Calculating the marketing campaign cost: Based on the sales forecast of 120 units and the baseline sales of 70 units, you realize that your marketing campaign should aim to generate an increase of 50 units in sales. To achieve this, you carefully analyze your resources and determine that the cost of your marketing campaign should be reasonable, allowing for an effective ROI.
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2. Would you advise Grandpa on different numbers and ROI ratios?
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As you progress on your quest, you consider the impact of different numbers and ROI ratios on Grandpa's Juice. You understand that higher sales and ROI ratios can signify a more successful campaign, indicating a greater return on the investment made. You advise Grandpa to explore various marketing strategies, evaluate the costs associated with each, and assess their potential impact on the sales and ROI objectives. By considering different scenarios, Grandpa can make informed decisions and choose the best approach for introducing Grandpa's Juice to a wider audience.

Using the formula for profit calculation:
Profit = Total Revenue - COGS - Operating Expenses - Taxes
Profit = $500,000 - $400,000 - $50,000 - $10,000
Profit = $40,000
The car showroom made a profit of $40,000 in the month of February.
Now, to increase profit for the next month, you need to explore strategic avenues that can enhance revenue, reduce COGS, or cut operating expenses while maintaining quality and customer satisfaction.
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To attract more customers, you might consider implementing targeted marketing campaigns to reach a wider audience, leveraging social media platforms, or collaborating with local influencers to increase brand visibility. Offering special promotions, discounts, or financing options could also incentivize potential customers to choose your showroom.
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To negotiate better deals with suppliers, you could explore establishing long-term partnerships or bulk purchasing arrangements, enabling you to secure more favorable pricing terms. Building strong relationships with suppliers might also open doors to exclusive models or early access to inventory.
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To optimize operations, analyze your processes and identify areas for improvement. Streamlining administrative tasks, adopting efficient inventory management systems, and leveraging technology for customer relationship management can enhance productivity and reduce operational costs.
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By implementing these strategic initiatives, you can attract more customers, negotiate better deals, and optimize operations, ultimately maximizing profits for the car showroom. Balancing financial acumen, customer satisfaction, and operational efficiency will be key to achieving sustained success in the competitive automotive market.

Gross Margin = (25 - 10) / 25 x 100
Gross Margin = 60%
The gross margin for your Love Potion is 60%.
This means that the gross margin represents 60% of the selling price.
Now, to increase your gross margin, you must carefully consider strategic options that will maximize profitability without compromising customer satisfaction.
One way to achieve this is by increasing the selling price of the Love Potion. Conduct market research to evaluate the demand and willingness of your customers to pay a higher price. Ensure that the perceived value of the potion aligns with the new price, possibly by enhancing the packaging, incorporating premium ingredients, or offering personalized customer experiences.
Another approach is to reduce the COGS. Explore alternative suppliers for ingredients, negotiate better deals, or streamline your production process to minimize costs without compromising the quality of the potion.
Finding the right balance between price and quality is crucial. Conduct customer surveys or focus groups to understand their preferences, expectations, and perceived value. By striking the perfect balance, you can create a potion that is not only profitable but also beloved by your customers.
Remember, pricing strategies require continuous evaluation and adjustment based on market dynamics, customer feedback, and profitability goals.
With your innovative spirit and magical touch, you can create a pricing strategy that ensures the Love Potion brings joy, profitability, and enchantment to both your customers and your budding potion-making enterprise.

When creating an advertorial, several essential brand elements should not be overlooked. These elements help to maintain consistency and effectively convey the brand's identity and message.
Here are the key brand elements that should be included in this advertorial:
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Logo: The brand's logo is a visual representation of its identity and should be prominently displayed in the advertorial. It helps customers identify and connect with the brand.
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Brand Tagline or Slogan: If applicable, include the brand's tagline or slogan to reinforce the brand's core message and value proposition. It should be memorable and aligned with the advertorial's content.
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Call-to-Action (CTA): Every advertorial should include a clear and compelling call-to-action that encourages readers to take the desired action, such as visiting a website, making a purchase, or contacting the brand. The CTA should be prominently displayed and stand out.
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Product Image or Pack Shot: Display a clear and high-quality image of the product being advertised. The product image showcases the physical appearance and features of the item, allowing customers to visualize and connect with it.
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By incorporating these essential brand elements into the advertorial, you create a cohesive and impactful communication piece that helps reinforce brand identity, captivate the audience, and drive engagement with the brand.
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Note: You can have in mind a more extensive check-list and consider as well:​
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Brand Colors: Consistent use of the brand's color palette throughout the advertorial reinforces brand recognition and creates a cohesive visual experience. Incorporate these colors into the design elements, backgrounds, and typography.
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Typography: Use fonts that align with the brand's overall visual identity. Select a font or set of fonts that reflect the brand's personality and tone. Consistency in typography maintains a professional and cohesive look.
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Brand Voice and Messaging: The advertorial should reflect the brand's unique voice and tone. Consistently use the brand's messaging and language to communicate with the target audience effectively.
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Imagery: Utilize additional high-quality images and visuals that are aligned with the brand's aesthetic. These images should enhance the storytelling or support the advertorial's content.

For a business owner experiencing seasonality with lower summer sales, it is important to carefully manage stock volume to ensure optimal inventory levels during the summer season.
Here are some key tips and advice:
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Analyze Historical Data: Review sales data from previous summer seasons to understand the demand patterns and fluctuations during this period. Identify the specific products that experience a decline in sales and those that are popular during the summer. This analysis will help you make informed decisions regarding stock volume.
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Forecast Demand: Utilize forecasting techniques to estimate the expected demand for different products during the summer season. Consider factors such as historical data, market trends, promotional activities, and customer preferences. A well-informed demand forecast will assist in determining the appropriate stock volume for each product.
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Adjust Ordering and Production Schedules: Based on the demand forecast, adjust your ordering and production schedules accordingly. Increase orders or production for the products with higher demand during the summer, while reducing or optimizing orders for products with lower sales volumes.
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Collaborate with Suppliers: Communicate with your suppliers to align them with your seasonal needs. Share your demand forecast and collaborate on strategies to ensure sufficient stock volume during the summer months. Consider negotiating flexible terms, such as smaller, more frequent deliveries, to avoid excess inventory or stockouts.
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Implement Just-in-Time (JIT) Inventory: Consider adopting a just-in-time inventory management approach. With JIT, you order and receive inventory as close to the time of need as possible, reducing the risk of excess stock during slower periods. This method can help optimize stock volume and minimize holding costs.
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Offer Special Summer Promotions: Design targeted marketing campaigns and promotions to stimulate demand for specific products during the summer season. Offer discounts, bundle deals, or limited-time offers to attract customers and boost sales. This can help ensure that stock is effectively utilized and minimize inventory carrying costs.
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Monitor and Adjust: Continuously monitor sales performance and inventory levels throughout the summer season. Regularly compare actual sales against the forecast to identify any variances and make necessary adjustments to stock volume accordingly. This agile approach allows you to optimize stock levels based on real-time market dynamics.
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By implementing these strategies, the business owner can better manage stock volume during the summer season, aligning inventory levels with anticipated demand. This helps avoid overstocking or stockouts, maximize sales opportunities, minimize carrying costs, and ultimately improve overall profitability.
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