Busniess Plan

Derek Knies wrote a note Marketing & Implementation Strategy Derek Knies Home

Derek Knies Studies at the University of Washington Major in Business Focus in Marketing & Entrepreneurship Hoping to change the world

Personal Business Plan

Vision and Opportunity Derek Knies wrote a note

Desired Employers

Goals after UW • I want to work for a company that is incredibly innovative. My future employer will not only do they listen to their customers, but they build

things that change the way we think and the way that we see the world. • Eventually I want to start a company that will help people. I believe that I am here on this earth to help bring people together to do powerful

things. I want to utilize the power of technology to organize people, creativity, and ideas to help others around the world. Purpose of Life & Guiding Questions • I believe that my purpose in life is to help others. • What will I be remembered for? • How will this idea help organize and/or help people? • Do my actions help others or do they help myself? Market Opportunity • I think that there is a huge opportunity, especially in our modern day society, for my goals and desires. In American culture, it is becoming

hugely popular for businesses to become philanthropic and help those less fortunate in society and around the world.For example, TOMS is hugely successful. I believe that I can organize my generation to change the world through technology.

• As far as being a marketer for a corporation, I believe that there is a huge market of technology companies that want to change the world in a positive way. For instance, Facebook did not start out as a company that desired social change, but this type of social media is actually what helped organize civilian revolutions. I believe that technology can unite powerful ideas and people, and I believe that technology will continue to be an integral part of helping people in the future.

Positioning Statement • For the people of planet earth who desire to make a positive change in their community, country, and world at large, Derek Knies is a

passionate and technology oriented entrepreneur who will use the internet and his leadership skills to organize people to initiate social change for underprivileged individuals. Unlike other individuals that hope for change in their society, I will utilize my skills as an organizer and my love for technology to organize and lead people from all over the world to create change in those places that most need it.

Compelling Value • The most compelling value that I offer to my employers and society is my passion. When I am knowledgeable and excited about my work,

there is no better person for a job because I will do whatever is needed to accomplish more than what is asked of me. Differentiation • I will differentiate myself from other UW students by gaining experience outside of the class room which will entail creating opportunities for

myself, such as internships and research. This will give me the opportunity to gain new experiences and new knowledge to make me more successful in the future, and make me more attractive to future employers who desire hands on experience.

• I will differentiate myself from the broader populace by gaining a bit of knowledge in many different areas of life. For example, I write and direct movies, I initiate my own research, and I train dogs on the side. Though unknown to me now, I know that these unique activities and traits will help me accomplish my destiny.

Checkpoints • Step 1: Graduate from College. • Step 2: Land a marketing job at one of my desired employers. Work for 5 years, accumulate enough money and experience to start my

own company. • Step 3: Leave my job to start my own company. Start a philanthropic company that will bring people out of poverty from other countries. Measurement of Success • I list only three checkpoints in my life right now because these are the most important milestones of my life. I will measure my success by

achieving each of these three. There is room for change and flexibility in any of my goals except for these. External Factors • Time will be a challenge for starting my business. There are very high possibilities that someone will create and develop ideas similar to mine

before I attempt to start my own company. • The job market will also be a problem if the economy does not get better anytime soon. I will have a harder time finding a job in a slower

economy. Risk Mitigation Strategy • The risk of time can be mitigated by acquiring patents for my ideas. In this way, I can patent my ideas now and then develop them later. • I can also mitigate the risk of a poor job market by continuing to develop qualities that differentiate myself from the competition. I believe

that it is very important to be well rounded, and I desire to show that I have a lot more experience in life than just marketing.

Marketing & Implementation Strategy Derek Knies wrote a note

Risks & Mitigation Derek Knies wrote a note

Board of Directors

Mom & Dad

The first person on my board of directors would collectively be my parents. I have never known any person to work harder, be more dedicated, and be more encouraging than they have been for me. They support me 100% and have helped me develop my ideas into fully fledged plans of success.

Steve Jobs

I know this is a little cliche, but I truly believe that there is no one more innovative and inspiring in our generation than Steve. He has inspired my life tremendously (I almost cried when he died) and I know that his expertise and brilliance in business would be an invaluable

Winston was one of the most heroic and charismatic men of the 20th century. His ability to spur a nation to fight a seemingly invincible army and to encourage people even at the grimmest hours is so inspiring. I would want him on my board to ignite a fire of passion in my team through his bravery and fantastic speaking skills.

Winston Churchill